Swollen Legs

Northwest Houston Heart Center

Cardiology located in Tomball, TX & Cypress, TX

Swollen legs aren’t always a serious health concern. However, Adnan Aslam, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Roy Normal, DO, and the experienced vascular team at Northwest Houston Heart Center in Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia, and The Woodlands, Texas, recommend scheduling a consultation if your swollen legs are frequent, painful, or happen suddenly from an unknown cause. Swelling in the legs is a sign of leg circulation problems. Call the office most convenient to you today or request an appointment online.

Swollen Legs Q&A

What do swollen legs look like?

Swollen legs look puffy and larger than normal. Your skin may also look shiny or discolored and feel tight.

When pressing on the swollen area of the leg, your finger may leave an indentation in the skin. This is called pitting.

The swelling may occur in the feet, ankles, or lower leg, depending on the cause. And it may affect one leg or both legs.

What causes swollen legs?

Fluid retention is a common cause of swollen legs. You may retain fluids if you consume too much sodium or don’t get enough exercise. Fluid may also collect in the lower part of the body if you spend long periods sitting or standing.

Swollen legs are also a symptom of circulation problems in the legs, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

When should I see an expert about swollen legs?

You should seek medical care right away if your swollen legs occur with other concerning symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or dizziness.

Northwest Houston Heart Center recommends scheduling a vein and vascular screening if you have other signs and symptoms of a circulation problem like leg pain, skin discoloration in the legs, or restless legs.

They review your medical history and symptoms and evaluate your legs. Then, complete tests to determine if a circulation problem is causing the fluid retention.

What are some treatments for swollen legs?

Treatment for swollen legs depends on the cause. Getting regular exercise, drinking an adequate amount of water, and not spending too much time sitting or standing may ease the swelling.

If your leg swelling is from a vascular problem, the experts at Northwest Houston Heart Center customize your treatment plan based on your diagnosis and symptoms.

Your plan may include:

Wearing compression stockings
Taking disease-specific medications
Having a procedure that improves leg circulation

Circulation problems affect more than just the heart. Problems with the arteries or veins in the legs can cause common symptoms like swollen legs and put you at risk of other serious health problems like coronary artery disease (CAD).

Call Northwest Houston Heart Center today or use the book online request button to schedule your free vein screening and vascular exam.

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