Your swollen legs deserve an explanation

Swollen legs are not a diagnosis. They are a symptom of an underlying condition. In other words, there is a reason your legs are swelling, and you deserve an explanation.

Unfortunately, too many people blame their tight or puffy calves, ankles or feet on something likely unrelated:

“I walked too much.”

“I sat too much.”

“I ate the wrong thing.”

“It’s my family history.”

“I’m just getting older.”

But other people are in the same situation as you, and their legs don’t swell. There is always a reason.

Sometimes a patient or their doctor will try a water pill. But unless you have fluid buildup in your heart or lungs, you shouldn’t jump to that conclusion. Water pills treat the symptom, not the cause.

Leg swelling is often related to issues with the lymphatic or venous systems, including varicose veins, whether or not they are visible on the skin’s surface. The key to avoiding permanent damage is to seek a diagnosis as soon as you notice even mild swelling, such as skin tightness, puffiness, or your shoes feeling a little tighter than usual.

At our center, we can work with you to determine the true source of your swelling and recommend treatment if needed. 

You really do deserve an explanation.

If you’re experiencing leg swelling or any of these other symptoms, please give our office a call:

• leg pain
• heaviness or fatigue
• itching, tingling or burning
• inflammation
• skin discoloration
• restless legs syndrome.

Dr. Sonja Stiller is a diplomat of both the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and the UIP 2023 lead chair for scientific abstracts. She is the founder of the Center for Advanced Vein Care and Elite Vascular Wellness, a Tier 1 provider with Lake Health Hospital System. The center is at 7200 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140 or visit YourHealthyVeins.com.