Leg Swelling

Leg swelling affects up to 4.4 million Americans annually. While it isn’t always serious, identifying the cause is crucial. At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the vascular surgeons and wound care specialists regularly diagnose and treat leg swelling. After an exam, they make personalized recommendations to reduce swelling and restore mobility. Call the office in McAllen or Rio Grande City, Texas, to make an appointment, or you can book your visit online at any time.

What is leg swelling?

Leg swelling (edema) occurs when fluids build up in your lower extremities. Anyone can experience leg swelling, but it commonly affects pregnant women and adults 65 and older.

Leg swelling often gets worse without treatment. This can make standing, walking, and completing daily tasks challenging. Several methods are available to reduce swelling and get you back on your feet.

What are the symptoms of leg swelling?

Leg swelling symptoms include:

• Any part of your legs appearing larger than they did the day before
• Skin over the swollen area that looks stretched or shiny
• Difficulty walking
• Feeling full or tight in your legs
• Discolored skin on your thighs, knees, calves, or shins

Sometimes, leg swelling causes mild pain or soreness.

Do I need to see a doctor about leg swelling?

Make an appointment with the Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, team if you have leg swelling that appears suddenly for no apparent reason. This is especially true if you have an underlying medical condition like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease that increases your risk of complications.

How is leg swelling diagnosed?

Your Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the swelling and if it happened after an injury, like a fall or car accident.

Next, they examine both legs, checking your skin for discoloration and a shiny or stretched appearance.

If a visual exam doesn’t provide enough information, your provider orders diagnostic screens, blood tests, urinalysis, and/or an ultrasound. These procedures can identify underlying medical problems like diabetes, heart disease, and venous insufficiency.

How is leg swelling treated?

The Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, team takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treating leg swelling. They could suggest:

• Keeping your legs elevated above your heart to reduce swelling
• Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing
• Wearing compression stockings to prevent fluid from collecting
• Reducing the amount of salt you eat
• Taking prescription diuretics (water pills) to reduce swelling

If your leg swelling is caused by a medical condition like emphysema or heart disease, the team will refer you to a specialist or prescribe medication to prevent those conditions from getting worse.

Call the nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office to schedule leg swelling treatment, or book your appointment online today.