You Should Never Ignore Leg Swelling: Here's Why

A little leg puffiness every now and then isn’t uncommon, and in many cases, it’s not a reason to worry. A long day on your feet, some salty snacks, or even a hot summer afternoon can cause temporary swelling in your legs or ankles. 

But when that swelling is persistent or recurring, it could be a sign of something much more serious, like cardiovascular problems that can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. 

It might be tempting to ignore swelling at first, but delaying treatment can result in far more serious problems that can develop in a surprisingly short period of time. 

In this post, our team at Florida Heart, Vein, and Vascular Institute reviews some of the more serious causes of leg swelling to help you understand why it’s so important not to ignore your symptoms when they occur.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

As many as 35% of Americans suffer from CVI, including about 17% of men and roughly 40% of women. CVI develops when tiny veins inside your valves stop functioning the way they’re supposed to, allowing blood to back up and collect in your lower legs and ankles.

This backward flow of blood is called venous reflux, and the added pressure inside your veins leads to fluid leakage into the surrounding tissues. In addition to swelling, chronic venous insufficiency is often associated with symptoms like:

• Leg aching
• Leg fatigue
• Heaviness in your legs
• Skin changes, like discoloration

Without treatment, CVI can lead to a breakdown of your skin that makes it more prone to deep sores, called ulcers. These ulcers take a long time to heal, and without proper management, they increase the risk of serious infections and even amputation.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

While CVI tends to develop over time, DVT typically happens more quickly, when a clot forms inside a deep vein in your leg. The clot interferes with blood flow, resulting in swelling that typically affects just one leg.

In addition to swelling, you might have:

• Pain when standing or walking
• A feeling of warmth in the swollen area
• Skin redness

The real danger from deep vein thrombosis happens if the clot breaks away and travels to the lungs, causing a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

While CVI and DVT affect your veins, PAD affects your arteries. This serious condition develops when sticky plaques build up inside your arteries, lining the artery walls and interfering with normal blood flow. 

Swelling can be a sign of PAD, especially if it’s accompanied by symptoms like:

• Leg cramps when walking 
• Leg pain that resolves with rest
• Temperature differences between legs
• Slow-to-heal sores (ulcers)
• Skin changes, including skin that looks shiny or taut
• Weaker pulse in one ankle

Over time, peripheral artery disease increases your risk of serious infections, tissue death (necrosis), and lower limb amputation.

Congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure develops when the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently, leading to slower circulation in your limbs, particularly your feet and ankles. When circulation slows, fluids build up and cause swelling.

This condition typically causes swelling in both legs, along with symptoms like:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling that gets worse throughout the day

Swelling can spread to other areas, as well, including your hands and arms and even your belly. 

Early diagnosis is key

Leg swelling is never normal, and in some cases, it can be a sign of something more serious. Early intervention is essential for preventing potentially life-threatening complications.

If you’re experiencing leg swelling, don’t ignore it. To find out what’s causing it, book an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Florida Heart, Vein, and Vascular Institute in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, or Riverview, Florida, today.