Leg Swelling

What Is Leg Swelling?

Leg swelling—also called peripheral edema—occurs when excess fluid builds up in the tissues of the lower extremities. Mild swelling can be temporary and may improve with rest, elevation, or compression.

However, persistent or unexplained swelling may indicate an underlying medical issue. While many cases are not caused by vein disease, venous problems remain one of the most common contributors to chronic leg swelling.

Common Causes of Leg Swelling

Leg swelling can occur for many reasons. Some causes are temporary and harmless, while others may require medical attention.

Non-vein causes of swelling include:

• Sitting or standing for long periods
• Inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Dehydration or high-salt diet
• Injury or inflammation
• Medication side effects (blood pressure meds, diabetes meds, hormones, NSAIDs)

Medical conditions that can cause edema:

• Heart failure
• Kidney disease or acute kidney injury
• Liver disease (cirrhosis)
• Lymphedema
• Chemotherapy or cancer treatments
• Blood clots (DVT)
• Thrombophlebitis
• Cardiomyopathy

Important: Leg swelling alone does not automatically mean you have vein disease — but when combined with symptoms like heaviness, visible veins, skin changes, or aching, it becomes more likely.

When Swelling Is Related to Vein Problems

1. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

CVI occurs when the valves in the leg veins don’t work properly, allowing blood to pool in the legs. Over time, this increases pressure in the veins and forces fluid into surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.

Common symptoms include:

• Heaviness or aching in the legs
• Skin discoloration or thickening
• Itching or burning
• Bulging varicose veins
• Swelling that worsens by the end of the day
• Relief with elevation or compression stockings

If left untreated, CVI can lead to complications such as skin inflammation, ulcers, and blood clots.

2. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are another common cause of swelling. When vein valves weaken, blood backs up, pressure increases, and fluid leaks into the tissues.

Symptoms may include:

• Visible, twisted veins
• Throbbing or aching
• Night cramps
• Swelling around the ankles or calves
• Feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs

Swelling from varicose veins is often misdiagnosed as a heart or kidney issue — meaning a proper vein evaluation is important if symptoms persist.

When to See a Vein Specialist

You should seek an evaluation if you experience:

• Swelling that does not improve with rest or elevation
• Swelling combined with leg pain, heaviness, or visible veins
• Swelling that is new, sudden, or occurs in only one leg
• Skin changes: darkening, hardening, itching, or rashes
• A history of varicose veins or venous disease in your family

Sudden or painful swelling may indicate DVT, which requires immediate medical attention.

Leg Swelling Evaluation & Treatment at BASS Vein Center

Our specialists perform a thorough assessment to determine whether your swelling is vein-related or due to another condition. If venous disease is the cause, we offer:

• Conservative treatment (compression, elevation, activity)
• Ultrasound-based vein mapping
• Minimally invasive procedures:
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • VenaSeal™
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy

Our goal is to identify the true cause of your swelling and provide the most effective and least invasive treatment plan.

Get Help With Leg Swelling

If you are experiencing leg swelling and want answers, the experts at BASS Vein Center are here to help. We serve patients in Northern California, primarily in the East Bay. Schedule a consultation today to identify the cause of your swelling and explore treatment options.