Rockville Varicose Vein Doctor: Swollen Legs and Ankles

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One of the most common symptoms we hear about in our practice as vein experts in the Washington DC metro area is chronically swollen legs and ankles. And as we speak to the patients who suffer from this, we realize that many of them have often fallen prey to myths about swollen legs and ankles, and that this misinformation has been the thing that has prevented them from seeking medical help for a potentially serious condition. So in this article we'll try to dispel a few of these myths and replace the misinformation with real facts.

First, swollen legs and ankles are not "normal"

They're always a sign that something is wrong. If the swelling only lasts for a few days and then goes away, then it is likely that it was caused by a sprain or injury to the tendons that connect the leg bone to the foot. But even if you know that the swelling is due to an injury, it's not a bad idea to see a doctor, because the swelling may be due to a chipped bone or damage to the surface of the joints.

If the condition has lasted more than a day or two, it is even more important to see a doctor, because the list of medical conditions that can cause swollen legs and ankles contains some serious possibilities. For example, chronically swollen legs and ankles can be due to congestive heart failure, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, hypertensive heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease. While none of these conditions are common, you should see a doctor to rule them out.

One cause of swollen legs and ankles that few know about is vein disease

If you have varicose veins, the most likely cause of the swelling is chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, One of the most common side effects of varicose veins and CVI is swollen legs and ankles. The swelling should serve as a reminder that varicose veins aren't "merely cosmetic," and that you should see a Rockville varicose vein doctor before they cause permanent damage to your circulatory system. Another more serious vein disease that can lead to swollen legs and ankles is deep vein thrombosis, which kills 300,000 Americans every year.

So what should I do about my swollen legs and ankles?

See a doctor. And in particular, consider visiting one of the top vein centers in Montgomery County so that Dr. Hamza Rana can perform tests to determine whether the swelling is due to disease in your veins or arteries. If it is, he can recommend treatments to eliminate the real cause of the swelling.

What you shouldn't do is try to "tough it out" and pretend that nothing is wrong. Whatever the cause, if the swelling has lasted for more than a week, it's not going to get better on its own or just go away. It's going to get worse.

Fortunately, CVI, DVT, and other vein diseases can be quickly and easily treated, using painless, minimally-invasive treatment techniques that can be performed in under an hour in the comfort of your vein doctor's office. So don't ignore your swollen legs and ankles – instead, get proactive about them. Give us a call today at 301-637-3088 and set up an appointment for a venous health screening. You'll be happy you did.

Author Bio: A Washington DC Varicose Vein Doctor explains that many of the things people believe about swollen legs and ankles are myths.