Medically reviewed by Sagar Patel, MD, on May 21, 2025

If your legs are swelling by the end of the day, or even by lunchtime, you’re not alone. You might chalk it up to standing too long or just getting older, but persistent leg swelling (called edema) is often a red flag.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, approximately 4.4 million people in the U.S. experience leg swelling, making it one of the country's most common health problems.

Leg swelling might seem harmless, but it could be your body’s way of signaling a bigger issue, including venous insufficiency, a common form of vein disease. Ignoring leg swelling can lead to serious complications, including skin breakdown, infection, and even blood clots. That’s why it’s crucial to know what causes edema, when to seek help, and what treatments work to reduce swelling.

You deserve healthy, pain-free legs. Take the first step toward relief with state-of-the-art treatment from Center for Vein Restoration—America’s largest physician-led vein center and the most trusted name in vein care.

Don’t dismiss leg swelling as a normal part of aging—get expert answers today!

People often assume leg pain or swelling is just something they have to live with. But these symptoms could point to venous insufficiency, a progressive condition that gets worse over time. At Center for Vein Restoration, we specialize in helping people live pain-free using the widest range of FDA-approved vein treatment options. Our treatments are safe, minimally invasive, and often covered by insurance.

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Questions? Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

What Causes Swelling in the Legs?

Leg swelling happens when fluid escapes from your blood vessels and collects in the surrounding tissue. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this fluid buildup can occur for many reasons, some temporary and others tied to more serious medical conditions.

• Gravity and inactivity: Sitting or standing still for long periods causes fluid to naturally pool in your lower body, especially your legs, ankles, and feet.
• Underlying health conditions: Diseases affecting the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or thyroid can all lead to swelling as a symptom.
• Medications: Some blood pressure drugs, hormone therapies, and anti-inflammatory medications can cause fluid retention as a side effect.

• Poor nutrition and high-sodium diets: Diets high in salt can cause your body to retain more water, while a lack of essential nutrients may interfere with how your body regulates fluid.

• Pregnancy: As the uterus grows, it puts extra pressure on the veins in the pelvis and lower body, making it harder for blood to circulate and leading to swelling in the legs.
• Infection, trauma, or allergic reactions: Injuries, burns, or a compromised immune response can all cause fluid to leak from blood vessels and collect in the tissue, resulting in sudden or localized swelling.
• Weakened vein valves (venous insufficiency): One of the most common—and often overlooked—causes of leg swelling is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This condition occurs when the valves in your leg veins stop working properly, making it harder for blood to return to your heart. Blood then pools in your legs, leading to swelling, heaviness, and often visible varicose veins.

If chronic venous insufficiency is behind your leg swelling, Center for Vein Restoration can help. Our 77+ board-certified vein specialists use advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments to target the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Signs You Might Have Vein Problems

Swollen legs can show up in different ways, depending on the cause. Signs of vein-related swelling include:

• Swelling that worsens as the day goes on
• A heavy, tight, or achy feeling in the legs
• Visible varicose veins—twisted, bulging veins just under the skin
• Skin changes—darkening, flaking, or thickening near the ankles
• Open sores or ulcers that won’t heal
• “Pitting” edema—when a fingerprint leaves a dent on your skin

Trust your legs to the nation’s leader in vein care, Center for Vein Restoration. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s time to consult a qualified vein specialist.

Schedule your consultation at Center for Vein Restoration today and get expert answers that go beyond the surface level.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

When Is Leg Swelling an Emergency?

In some cases, leg swelling may signal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein, often in just one leg. DVT requires immediate medical attention. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, warning signs of DVT include:

• Sudden swelling in one leg
• Warmth, redness, or pain in the calf or thigh
• Shortness of breath or chest pain (if the clot travels to the lungs)

If you suspect a blood clot, don’t wait. Call 911 or visit the ER.

How a Vein Specialist Can Help

If you’ve tried home remedies and your legs are still swollen, it’s time to see a vein expert. At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our board-certified specialists use state-of-the-art tools, like duplex ultrasound, to find out what’s causing your swelling and tailor a treatment plan just for you.

Vein treatment options may include:

• Sclerotherapy: A quick, in-office injection to treat spider veins and small varicose veins
• Endovenous ablation: A minimally invasive procedure using heat to seal faulty veins
• Microphlebectomy (or ambulatory phlebectomy): Removal of damaged veins through tiny incisions

These treatments are outpatient, require little to no downtime, and are often covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary.

How to Reduce or Prevent Leg Swelling Naturally

If your swelling isn’t an emergency but still won’t go away, don’t shrug it off. There are proven steps you can take to manage or prevent edema, especially if it’s caused by vein problems.

1. Move More
Even light activity like walking helps your leg muscles push blood back up toward the heart. Avoid sitting or standing still for long periods.

2. Elevate Your Legs
Raise your legs above heart level for 20–30 minutes, a few times a day. This helps fluid drain from your legs and reduces pressure in your veins.

3. Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs, encouraging healthy circulation and preventing fluid buildup. Your vein doctor can prescribe the right type and pressure level for you.

4. Lower Your Salt Intake
Too much sodium makes your body retain water. Eat more fresh, whole foods and avoid salty snacks and processed meals.

5. Stay Hydrated
Ironically, drinking more water helps reduce water retention. Hydration keeps your kidneys working properly and supports healthy circulation.

6. Exercise Regularly
Swimming, cycling, or walking can strengthen your calf muscles and improve circulation. Exercise also supports a healthy weight, easing stress on your veins.

7. Avoid Tight Clothing
Clothing that constricts your waist, thighs, or calves can interfere with circulation. Choose loose-fitting, breathable fabrics when possible.

Don’t Wait—Healthy Legs Start with Answers

Swollen legs aren’t just annoying—they can signal a deeper problem. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment from a qualified vein center like CVR can relieve your discomfort and prevent serious complications like skin ulcers, infections, or blood clots.

At CVR, we’ve helped thousands of patients get relief from vein disease with expert, compassionate care. With over 110 locations nationwide, a vein specialist is closer than you think.

💬 Ready to feel better? Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes swelling in my legs, and should I be concerned?
Swelling in the legs (edema) can result from something as simple as sitting or standing for too long, but it can also be a sign of more serious issues like chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, or underlying conditions affecting the heart, kidneys, or liver. If the swelling persists or worsens throughout the day, seeing a vein specialist is best to rule out vein disease or other medical problems.

2. When is leg swelling considered a medical emergency?
Leg swelling becomes an emergency if it's sudden, only affects one leg, or is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or warmth/redness in the leg. These could be signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate care.

3. Can I reduce leg swelling on my own?
Yes—simple lifestyle changes like elevating your legs, wearing compression stockings, moving regularly, staying hydrated, and cutting back on salt can help. But if swelling continues or is paired with leg pain, skin changes, or varicose veins, it’s time to see a vein doctor for an expert evaluation.

4. What treatments are available at Center for Vein Restoration for leg swelling?
CVR offers advanced, minimally invasive treatments tailored to the root cause of your swelling. Options include sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, and microphlebectomy—many of which are covered by insurance and require little to no downtime. Our board-certified vein specialists use state-of-the-art diagnostics to create personalized care plans that relieve symptoms and prevent future complications.