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Leg Swelling Specialist

Premier Surgical

Jarrod P. Kaufman, MD, FACS

General and Vascular Surgery located in Brick, NJ

Leg swelling might be more than simply a nuisance, as it can indicate a serious medical problem. At Premier Surgical in Brick, New Jersey, general and vascular surgeon Jarrod Kaufman, MD, FACS, can diagnose and treat the root cause of leg swelling to restore your vascular health and reduce the risk of complications. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

Leg Swelling Q&A

What is leg swelling?

Leg swelling can occur for numerous reasons, some of which are serious. It usually results from a vein problem, fluid retention, or a chronic disease. Swelling can make your legs, feet, or ankles look puffy and bigger than usual. See a Premier Surgical specialist at the first sign of leg swelling.

What are common causes of leg swelling?

If you experience leg swelling, it could be because of one of the following conditions:

Varicose veins

Large varicose veins can sometimes cause leg swelling. If you have twisted, cord-like, visible veins on your legs, visit Premier Surgical to discuss treatment options.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a type of blood clot that can form in your thigh, lower leg, or pelvis. It may cause swelling on one leg and red, warm, tender skin. You might notice large veins near the surface of your skin. Treatment can reduce your risk of a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Venous insufficiency

With venous insufficiency, leg veins can become weak, inhibiting blood from easily flowing back to your heart. It increases the risk of fluid buildup in your legs and varicose veins.

Lymphedema

If you have lymphedema, your body’s lymph nodes don’t filter lymph fluid efficiently, which can cause mild to severe swelling in one or both legs. You might develop lymphedema because of lymph node damage or removal.

Chronic diseases

Common chronic diseases that can cause leg swelling include heart, liver, and kidney diseases. If these organs don’t work as well as they’re supposed to, fluid can build up in your legs. See your doctor at the first sign of leg swelling, especially if you have a chronic disease or are at risk of developing one.

How does my doctor diagnose the cause of leg swelling?

To find the root cause of leg swelling and develop an effective treatment, your Premier Surgical specialist discusses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and examines your legs. They may recommend you undergo heart function tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, or other imaging procedures to diagnose your condition.

What are common treatments for leg swelling?

The treatment that’s right for you depends on the cause of your swelling and how severe it is. Your specialist might recommend:

Lifestyle changes

Healthy lifestyle changes that can reduce leg swelling include limiting sodium, eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and not sitting or standing for long periods. You might also wear compression stockings.

Medications

Your doctor may recommend you take certain medications, depending on the cause of your leg swelling.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an injection that can get rid of large spider veins or varicose veins associated with leg swelling.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment uses non-invasive light energy to eliminate diseased veins that cause leg swelling.

Radiofrequency ablation

Like laser treatment, non-invasive radiofrequency ablation can destroy and eliminate varicose veins.

Endovenous ablation

Endovenous ablation is a technique that removes varicose veins using targeted laser or radiofrequency energy to heat up and close off affected veins.

Trivex™

Trivex is a proven, minimally invasive varicose vein and venous ulcer treatment that uses a lighted wand to illuminate veins and physically remove them through tiny incisions. 

Minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic surgery techniques, allows your specialist to remove unsightly or diseased veins, repair tissues, or eliminate blockages linked with leg swelling.

To diagnose and treat the root cause of leg swelling, call the Premier Surgical office or schedule an appointment online today.