What to Know About Leg Swelling and Fatigue

You may not think much about your feet and ankles until fatigue and swelling (edema) make every step a little harder.

While occasional swelling is common after a long day on your feet, persistent swelling may be a sign that something else is going on. That’s why it's important to understand what's behind it, according to Paul Armstrong, DO, a vascular surgeon with AdventHealth Pepin Heart Institute who specializes in conditions affecting the veins, arteries and capillaries.

“Leg swelling can have many causes, from problems with blood flow in the legs to conditions, such as heart disease or kidney failure,” explains Dr. Armstrong. “We need to determine the cause, so we can treat any serious underlying issues quickly — and help you find relief.”

Common Causes

In some cases, the causes of leg fatigue and swelling are temporary and related to lifestyle factors, such as sitting or standing for long periods of time. In others, they may be linked to an underlying condition that affects blood flow, fluid balance or the body's ability to move blood and oxygen efficiently.

Common causes can include:

• Extra body weight
• Heart problems
• Inflammation in response to injury or disease
• Issues with the lymphatic system or kidneys
• Lack of activity, or sitting or standing for long periods
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
• Poor circulation
• Pregnancy
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory disorders
• Tight clothing

Along with swelling, you may notice changes in the color of your skin. Depending on the cause, your legs may appear red, purple, brown or blue when blood flow is reduced or pools in your legs.

It's important to talk with your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.

When to See a Doctor

“Swollen legs and ankles don’t always mean you have a serious health problem, but they can be a warning sign,” says Dr. Armstrong.

Talk to a vascular specialist if you experience:

• Changes in the color, texture or appearance of your skin
• Ongoing or worsening pain or discomfort
• Swelling in one or both legs that doesn’t go away or get better
• Trouble walking or standing

Pay extra attention if you have a history of heart or vascular disease, or if you’ve had a recent leg trauma or surgery.

Diagnosing Leg Edema

Because leg edema can have many different causes, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward finding relief. A vascular specialist can review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and perform an examination to look for signs of vein disease, circulation problems or other underlying health conditions.

Your provider may also recommend:

• A heart evaluation to check for heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions that can cause fluid buildup
• Imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to identify vein disease, blood clots or other circulation concerns
• Lab tests to assess kidney function, liver function and your body's ability to regulate fluids
• Vascular testing to evaluate blood flow and determine whether your veins are returning blood to the heart properly

Once the cause of your leg edema is identified, your care team can develop a targeted treatment plan focused on reducing swelling, addressing underlying conditions and helping you find lasting relief.

Leg Edema Treatment Options

For most, treatment starts with lifestyle changes such as losing weight, lowering sodium intake, increasing physical activity and quitting smoking.

Your treatment may also include:

• Compression therapy to help improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup
• Medications to address underlying conditions or help manage fluid retention
• Specialized treatment for conditions such as lymphedema, heart disease or kidney disease

“When lifestyle changes and conservative treatments aren't enough, you can rest easier knowing we also offer leading-edge procedures here,” says Dr. Armstrong. “Ablation, for example, is a minimally invasive technique that closes unhealthy veins and redirects blood flow through healthier ones. And it isn’t available everywhere.”

Fortunately, symptoms often significantly improve with the right treatment and ongoing care — and getting medical help early can help you avoid complications and feel more comfortable day-to-day.

Vascular Care You Can Count On

No matter your needs, we’re ready to evaluate your symptoms, identify what's contributing to them and create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel your best. Learn more about vascular disease treatment in Tampa and get started on your path toward relief.