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.
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.
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).
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.
Swelling in the legs can be a sign of poorly functioning veins. When the veins fail, blood that normally flows up toward the heart is pulled down by gravity to pool inside the legs. The backflow, called venous reflux, strains the vein walls and the plasma leaks out into the surrounding space leading to swelling in the feet, ankles, and calves. Leg swelling and associated skin changes are called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Edema is primarily noted at the end of the day that can be improved with leg elevation. Left untreated, the recurrent and persistent accumulation of fluid inside the legs begins to stress the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system works as a safety valve to remove excess fluid from the legs. When both, the venous system and lymphatic systems fail, the condition is known as phlebolymphedema.
Lymphatic vessels carry protein-rich fluid and other macromolecules which leak out into the interstitial space. This can make the edema from CVI even worse. Furthermore, the lymphatic fluid triggers an inflammatory reaction that can cause the skin to become red and warm to touch, severe itching, and fluid leakage. Over time, fibrosis sets in, where some of the soft tissue and skin gets converted to hard “scar-like” tissue. At this stage, the condition is largely irreversible.
Modern treatment options available for diseased veins are safe, effective, and require no downtime. Almost all insurance companies offer coverage for the treatment of symptomatic vein problems. However, we do not have definitive treatments available for the management of lymphedema. Treatment of lymphedema, including phlebolymphedema, involves complete decongestive therapy (CDT) and lifelong conservative therapy. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment of edema offers the best chance for long-term symptom relief and protection against complications.
Lymphedema
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard for lymphedema management and is divided into two phases:
Phase I – Decongestion to decrease the swelling in the limb to as close to normal as possible with the assistance of a lymphedema therapist.
Phase II – Maintenance that involves continued care at home.
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.
Alsara Vein Clinic has helped many patients achieve relief from Edema.
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.
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).
