Legs swell when fluid collects in the tissues, often around the ankles. Leaky leg veins are a common cause, but swelling can also come from the heart, lungs, kidneys or medicines. A vein doctor checks your veins with ultrasound, and at First Coast Cardiovascular Institute (FCCI), other specialists can step in if the cause is somewhere else.
The vein side of swelling
FCCI lists unexplained swelling (edema) among the deep signs of venous disease, along with pain when standing that fades when legs are raised. When valves fail, blood pools low in the legs and pushes fluid into the tissue. FCCI notes chronic venous insufficiency can lead to edema if left untreated.
Other causes worth ruling out
FCCI explains that sometimes a patient has symptoms that suggest vein disease, but testing finds no vein problem. That means the symptoms point to another condition. FCCI keeps board certified specialists in cardiovascular medicine, sleep medicine, wound care and pulmonology ready to help, under the same roof.
- Heart conditions
- Lung and sleep conditions
- Kidney or artery problems
- Medicine side effects
Your doctors sort through these with you. That is a team sport, not a guessing game.
Swelling plus pain in one leg
FCCI's venous duplex ultrasound checks for deep vein clots when symptoms include leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, shortness of breath or a suspected clot. Risk factors FCCI lists include a prior clot, trauma, recent major surgery, cancer, blood diseases, being immobile for a long time and obesity. That study usually takes about 30 minutes.
If swelling comes on suddenly with chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911.
Small habits that may help
Raising your legs, walking breaks on long shifts and staying active are common-sense steps. Ask your vein doctor before starting compression stockings, since the right fit depends on your circulation.
What your doctor will ask
- One leg or both?
- When did it start, and does it go down overnight?
- Any skin changes or sores?
- Any past clots or recent surgery?
About the Vein Clinic at FCCI
Leg swelling can come from veins, the heart, the lungs and more, which is why FCCI's setup helps. Since 2002 the practice has kept board certified endovascular and vascular physicians in its Vein Clinic alongside cardiology, sleep medicine, wound care and pulmonary specialists. If your swelling is not a vein problem, the right doctor is in the same building.
Swollen legs get checked with ultrasound by registered vascular technologists in a lab accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. Vein treatment is outpatient.
Getting ready for your visit
- Call 904.493.3333 to book, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fill out the New Patient Registration form on Patient Resources and note when your swelling is worst
- Bring your ID, insurance card and a list of your medicines
- Wear shorts or loose pants so your legs are easy to check
- Write down when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
- Need to reschedule? FCCI asks for at least 24 hours' notice
Describe your swelling and other symptoms to the care team at your visit or on the phone, not in an online form.
Swelling that keeps coming back deserves a look. Call FCCI at 904.493.3333, Monday to Friday, 8 to 5, or book through our Book page. The free 20-minute vein screening is at 7011 AC Skinner Parkway, Ste 160 on the Southside. Swelling that comes on suddenly with chest pain or shortness of breath is a 911 emergency.
