Plagued by Swollen Legs & Ankles? When to See a Vascular Specialist

If you’re dealing with swelling in your legs and ankles, you’re probably wondering  why and what you can do to bring the swelling back down. If you live in or around McAllen, Rio Grande City, or Raymondville, Texas, our team at Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, can determine if your vascular health might be the source of your swelling. 

John Hovorka, MD, and Cynthia Salinas, MD, have the training and experience to reach an accurate diagnosis and guide you through your treatment options. Let’s look at some of the common causes of lower extremity swelling and what can be done to alleviate the problem. 

Understanding edema and its symptoms

Edema is the medical term used for an abnormal buildup of fluids within a specific area of the body. Edema can happen in various places, but the legs, ankles, and feet are among the most common sites for abnormal swelling. Lower extremity edema may manifest as:

• Legs, ankles, or feet that are visibly swollen
• Skin that feels tighter than normal
• Skin that looks shiny or stretched
• Skin that retains an impression if you press down with a finger
• Sensation of heaviness in the legs

Some people develop swollen legs and ankles in a predictable manner. For example, you might notice that your lower body swells during a long flight, or after a long day on your feet. In other cases, swelling doesn’t seem to have a clear cause and lingers over time. 

What might be causing my lower body swelling?

A number of things could be to blame for swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet. Some examples include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Pregnancy
• Foot or ankle injuries
• Lymphedema (especially after radiation therapy) 
• Hormonal fluctuation during menstruation or menopause
• Hot weather
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Chronic kidney disease
• Heart failure

One common cause of swelling in the lower body is a condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This happens when the veins in your legs can’t efficiently transport blood back to your heart for recirculation. 

Thrombophlebitis, which is a blood clot in a superficial leg vein, can also cause swelling, as can deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in a deeper leg vein. 

Should I see a doctor about lower extremity swelling?

If your swelling happens after a long period of standing or sitting, or follows a sports injury, there may be no need for concern. Try to rest and elevate your affected leg (or legs) as much as possible. If the swelling subsides and you have no other symptoms, there’s probably nothing to be concerned about. 

But when swelling doesn’t have a clear cause, or when it lingers over time, it’s important to determine what’s prompting your lower body to retain fluids. As you can see from the list above, some of the potential causes for edema are very serious. 

At Laser Surgical Solutions, RGV, PLLC, we can assess your edema and provide an accurate diagnosis. We focus specifically on vascular health, but if our diagnostic assessment suggests another cause, we can refer you to a specialist who can provide targeted care. 

We treat numerous conditions that can cause swelling in your ankles, feet, and legs. If our services are a good fit for your needs, we’ll discuss your treatment options in detail, empowering you to make an informed decision about how to proceed. 

Expert care for swollen legs, ankles, and feet 

With offices in McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, Laser Surgical Solutions, RGV, PLLC, is your go-to provider for venous issues — whether you’re coping with unexplained leg swelling or skin changes, or you’ve got swollen varicose veins that make your legs ache. 

Visiting our office begins with a quick phone call to find a time that works for you. We also offer online booking in an effort to make it easier for you to schedule a visit, even outside of normal business hours.