Board Certified Cardiologist & Cardiovascular Physician located in Princeton, NJ & Hamilton Square, NJ
Leg edema and swelling can be a sign of an underlying disease like congestive heart failure or venous insufficiency. Kintur Sanghvi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, at NJ Heart & Vascular Care in Princeton and Hamilton, New Jersey, expertly evaluates the cause of your leg edema and helps you manage the condition. If you have significant leg edema, call the office or use the online tool to schedule your appointment today.
Leg Edema & Swelling Q & A
What causes leg edema and swelling?
Leg edema describes swelling in your legs that occurs when your tissues and blood vessels hold onto excess fluids. While you may develop leg edema due to conditions like pregnancy, the swelling can also indicate you’re suffering from an underlying disease such as:
Congestive heart failure
Structural heart disease
Venous disease of the leg
Kidney disease
Leg edema and swelling are more likely to affect older women. Some medications used to treat inflammation, diabetes, and high blood pressure can cause leg edema.
What symptoms accompany leg edema and swelling?
Leg edema and swelling may be accompanied by other symptoms, including:
Pain after sitting or standing for long periods
Ulcerated sores
Dry, cracked skin
Changes in skin color
Stiffness and difficulty walking
Dr. Sanghvi takes these additional symptoms into account when making a diagnosis.
How are leg edema and swelling diagnosed?
Dr. Sanghvi looks at your health history, lifestyle, family medical history, and current symptoms when making a diagnosis. He’ll conduct a thorough physical exam and order specific screening exams.
The office of NJ Heart & Vascular Care is equipped with state-of-the-art in-office echocardiography, venous doppler, and technology to evaluate venous insufficiency.
How are leg edema and swelling treated?
Your treatment depends on the cause of your leg edema. The primary treatment strategies used include:
Conservative interventions
Conservative interventions are used in cases of mild swelling. Dr. Sanghvi could recommend:
Medical-grade compression stockings
Elevating your legs while seated
Weight loss
Increased physical activity
When conservative therapies are unsuccessful, or your leg edema is due to venous disease, Dr. Sanghvi may recommend more involved procedures like non-surgical endovenous ablation.
Non-surgical endovenous ablation
During this procedure, Dr. Sanghvi uses radiofrequency or laser energy to close varicose veins and ease associated pain, swelling, and irritation. The veins are reabsorbed by your body, and blood redirects through healthy veins.
Treatment for underlying conditions
Dr. Sanghvi is proficient in treating deep venous disease such as May-Thurner syndrome, which can cause leg edema.
Dr. Sanghvi can also help manage heart conditions or kidney disease that’s causing your edema. He may recommend medications and advanced surgical procedures, depending on your particular case.
If you have significant swelling in your legs, call NJ Heart & Vascular Care for an evaluation or book an appointment online to find relief today.
