Edema (swelling) and Phlebolyphedema

Leg, calf, foot, or ankle swelling?

Alsara Vein Clinic has helped many patients achieve relief from Edema.

Edema (swelling) of the calf, ankle, foot, or leg is a common symptom of varicose veins that allows blood to flow backward and pool in the legs. Over time, some blood and other fluids can leak out of the vein into the surrounding tissue causing Edema (swelling). Edema Specialist and Vein Specialist Dr. Sam Gupta can help diagnose and treat Edema (swelling). Dr. Gupta is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

At Alsara Vein Clinic, we treat vein problems all day, every day.

Call us at 816-396-0245 for a Consultation

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Leg, calf, foot, or ankle swelling (Edema) is a common sign of varicose veins.

The normal flow of blood in leg veins is against the force of gravity; from the foot to the thigh and then up towards the heart. When veins are stretched and enlarged (become varicose), they are too weak to overcome the force of gravity causing the blood to flow backward and pool in the legs. As the pooling continues throughout the day, the pressure inside the vein walls continues to increase. Eventually, some blood and other fluids can leak out of the vein into the surrounding tissue.

edema swelling The pooling of blood, increased pressure and subsequent “leakage” causes swelling in the ankles and feet as gravity pulls the fluid down. As leakage continues, swelling can also be noted in the lower calf region and extend to the knee or even the thighs.

Swelling is more noticeable at the end of the day, especially if you have spent much of it sitting or standing still. When you elevate your legs, for example when you are sleeping, gravity is no longer a force working against the flow of the blood in your leg veins hence swelling is reduced. However, when you sit or stand, the swelling recurs. Other factors that can contribute to increased swelling include lifting or straining, pregnancy, heat (such as hot baths or sauna), and hormonal changes (that further relax and stretch the weak veins).

phlebectatica During the initial stages of edema, graduated compression stockings may be enough to diminish the tendency of the veins to stretch and control edema. Over time, patients may notice increasing leg fatigue, swelling, thinning of the skin, and discoloration of the overlying skin. Complications such as painful blood clots in the vein, bleeding from veins close to the skin surface, and nonhealing leg sores may develop. Many patients may also notice unsightly spider and varicose veins (Corona Phlebectatica).

Because of the potentially serious and long-term complications of varicose veins, proper treatment is important, and the best results are obtained before complications have already developed. A Vein Specialist can use a Duplex Ultrasound to check “leaky” varicose veins and treatment options.

Learn more about Edema and Phlebolymphedema

Varicose Vein Treatments are coved by insurance including Medicare and Medicaid

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Judith Allen

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:: They are very helpful and kind.
Ultrasound Technologist:: They share their knowledge and are nice.
Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:: I love everyone in the office.
Billing/Patient Account Services:: Very helpful, very kind.
Call Center/Patient Service Center:: I can't say enough good things about the staff at Alsara Vein Clinic.
What made you choose us?: My doctor suggested I go to a vein doctor. I have made a wonderful choice at Alsara.
What symptoms were you experiencing?: Swelling in ankles.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?: The swelling is gone now and my ankles do not swell anymore. No more pain.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?: I have no swelling or pain in my legs.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?: Dr. Sam explains everything he is doing. He is a great doctor and I would go to no one but him. He is kind and explains every move he makes. He takes the fear out of me and I trust him completely.

judith allen

Leg Swelling

Swelling in the legs can be a sign of poorly functioning veins in the legs. When veins fail, blood that normally flows upwards toward the heart is pulled by gravity to pool inside the legs. The backflow, called venous reflux, strains the vein walls and blood plasma leaks out into the surrounding space in the legs leading to swelling in the feet, ankles, and calves. Leg swelling and associated skin changes are termed chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Modern treatment options available for the treatment of the diseased veins are safe, effective, and require no downtime. Almost all insurance companies offer coverage for the treatment of symptomatic vein problems.

Edema is primarily noted at the end of the day that improves with leg elevation. Left untreated, the accumulation of fluid inside the legs overwhelms the lymphatic system which works as a safety valve to move excess fluid out of the legs and becomes phlebolymphedema. Fluid accumulation in the leg is a combination of plasma and protein-rich fluid that triggers an inflammatory reaction and fibrosis (hardening of the skin and soft tissue) which is irreversible. Treatment of lymphedema is limited to manual compression therapy and lifelong use of compression garments.

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