Leg Swelling Specialist

Fluid retained in the tissues of your legs is known as peripheral edema, or leg swelling. Gravity, a sedentary lifestyle, sitting or standing for long periods, and even wearing tight clothing can cause leg swelling. However, swelling in the legs and ankles can also indicate problems with your circulation, your blood vessels, or your heart.

Conditions that cause leg swelling include:

• Kidney or liver disease
• Lymphedema
• Pregnancy
• Cardiomyopathy
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Heart failure
• Pericarditis
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Blood clots in the legs
• Venous insufficiency

Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can lead to excessive inflammation in the legs, resulting in leg swelling.

Peripheral edema makes your legs or ankles look enlarged and puffy. It may also cause additional symptoms, such as:

• Aching
• Heaviness or stiffness
• Bruising or discoloration
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty wearing shoes or socks

You might notice that your skin around the swollen area feels tight, or warm to the touch. You may also see that when you press on your skin for a few seconds, it leaves an impression of your finger that doesn’t subside quickly.

When you see Dr. Taghizadeh at San Diego Varicose Vein Treatment Center to determine the exact cause of your leg swelling, he reviews your medical history and symptoms, and then performs a physical examination. He may recommend diagnostic vascular imaging, such as a duplex ultrasound in some cases a venogram is ordered, to provide a clearer picture of the inside of your blood vessels. This procedure uses an intravenous contrast fluid to improve the visibility of your veins under an X-ray.

As an experienced cardiovascular physician, Dr. Taghizadeh has a comprehensive understanding of the vascular conditions that result in leg swelling. He tailors your treatment based on the cause of your leg swelling, your medical history, lifestyle, and other individual factors.

To address leg swelling, Dr. Taghizadeh may recommend:

• Compression garments
• Prescription medications
• Laser vein treatments
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Clrivein and Varithena

Sometimes, the best way to resolve leg swelling is to surgically remove the vein itself. Dr. Taghizadeh has expertise in microphlebectomy, a minimally invasive, outpatient removal procedure, as well as traditional surgery options.

If you suffer from unsightly or painful leg swelling, don’t hesitate to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Taghizadeh. Call San Diego Varicose Vein Treatment Center today or make an appointment online.