VARICOSE VEINS CAN CAUSE ANKLE SWELLING
Untreated varicose veins can create multiple visible symptoms like bulging veins, lumps, skin infections, etc.
Apart from these, some other conditions happen as a result of varicose veins. Ankle swelling is one of them.
The swelling is because of blockages in the circulatory system resulting in poor flow of blood. While the condition is not serious enough to ask you to rush to the doctor immediately, you do need to visit a vein doctor to get it checked eventually. This is because untreated varicose veins may lead to other potentially serious health issues like deep vein thrombosis.
Ankle Swelling:
Ankle swelling can vary from just a touch of swelling at the ankles to full-blown edema, which can make it difficult to put on shoes. When a result of vein leakage, swelling typically worsens as the day progresses and settles in the ankles. Like vein-related leg pain, the swelling is aggravated by heat, sitting or standing.
Many patients have been placed on diuretics, or water pills, with little improvement in their swelling. Elevating the legs, wearing compression stockings or walking are often more effective than water pills when swelling is due to vein problems.
Lymphedema:
Sometimes leaking veins can disrupt other bodily functions as well. For instance, the buildup of pressure from faulty veins can damage the delicate lymphatic system.
This type of swelling is called lymphedema. When the lymphatics are sluggish, the swelling can extend into the feet and ankles and this stubborn swelling will be present in the morning, even after a night’s rest.
As the lymphatic fluid is full of proteins, it is also an easy environment for bacteria to grow in. For this reason, individuals with lymphedema are prone to serious infections of the skin, known as cellulitis. Skin changes can also develop over time, and the skin can become leathery, brown and even ulcerate. It is important to recognize the signs of lymphedema early, when it can easily be treated.
Ankle swelling should not be ignored since it can be an important sign of underlying vein disease.
For example, abrupt swelling affecting one ankle can be a sign of a life-threatening blood clot, whereas gradual ankle swelling accompanied by shortness of breath could indicate new-onset heart failure. If swelling develops suddenly, or has other symptoms associated with it, it should be promptly evaluated.
Here at the Alpha Vein Clinic our office is equipped with the latest ultrasound technology to diagnose dangerous blood clots or vein leakage. As vein leakage is one of the most common reasons for ankle swelling, attending to vein problems early can do a great deal to keep swelling in check.
Facts about Ankle swelling:
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency is one of the most common causes of ankle swelling.
- Leaking veins can damage the delicate lymphatics, causing lymphedema.
- ankle swelling can have many causes and can indicate an underlying disease state.
- Abrupt swelling affecting a single ankle should be evaluated urgently to rule out a potentially lethal blood clot.
Those who suffer from ankle pain and swelling know that these uncomfortable symptoms can force them to lead a less active lifestyle, which only compounds the problem. As varicose veins aren’t always visible, sometimes vein disease can progress without one even suspecting it.
Self help tips
Until you manage to make the time out to visit your GP, there are a few things that will ease out the swelling or at least reduce it for sometime.
- Elevate your feet above your heart level. When you do so, gravity works on the accumulated blood and pulls it towards the heart from your feet, thereby relaxing the veins. Other fluid buildups in your legs will also get drained up, easing out the swelling.
- Wear compression socks. Tight stockings help prevent the pooling of blood in the legs and allows it to move upwards.
- Get regular exercise. Walking, yoga, cycling or even swimming may help improve the blood circulation in your legs. Start with simple leg exercises that involve basic movement of the legs.
- Increase your water consumption. It is no secret that increasing your daily water intake will give a boost to your blood circulation all over the body, including legs.
- Reduce the intake of salts. High sodium and potassium in the salts is known to trap fluids under the skin causing conditions like edema. Reduce your salt intake and add more fibrous food on your plate.
If you’re experiencing swollen, tired or discolored ankles, there’s really no reason to wait. At the Alpha Vein Clinic we can conduct an assessment to pinpoint the root of your problem and help you form the best plan to address it. Today’s vein treatment options require little-to-no recovery time and are covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.
Many of our patients say their only regret was not stopping in sooner.
Call us today at the Las Vegas Alpha Vein Clinic at (702) 430 7661 to get back your leg health.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
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