Medically reviewed by Sanjiv Lakhanpal, MD, FACS, and Khanh Nguyen, DO, RPVI, on November 18, 2025
Swollen feet and ankles are more than just uncomfortable; they can be a red flag for underlying vein issues. Whether you’re noticing puffiness at the end of a long day or persistent swelling that won’t go away, understanding what’s really happening inside your legs puts you one step closer to lasting relief.
At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), we find that swelling is often associated with deeper vein conditions, including chronic venous insufficiency, which is the root cause of varicose veins.
In this medically reviewed blog, we’ll review the top six causes of swelling: what they are, how they connect to vein disease, and what you can do about them, including when it’s time to book a consultation with a vein CVR specialist.
1. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
One of the most common causes of persistent swelling in the lower legs is chronic venous insufficiency. This condition develops when the valves in the leg veins lose their ability to prevent blood from flowing backward toward the heart, leading to pooling and fluid buildup in the tissues.
Symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, heaviness, skin discoloration, or visible varicose veins often accompany CVI. Risk factors include a family history of vein problems, standing or sitting for long periods, obesity, pregnancy, prior leg injury or clot, and aging.
When the root cause is venous, swelling isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a warning sign that your veins are under strain and need prompt attention from a vein doctor. Left untreated, vein disease can progress, leading to pain, skin changes, or even ulcers.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen! Schedule a consultation today at Center for Vein Restoration and get a comprehensive evaluation from a board-certified vein specialist. Our experts can pinpoint the cause of your swelling and offer minimally invasive vein treatment options that restore comfort, confidence, and healthy circulation.
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-249-8250
📅 Or book online HERE
2. High Salt Intake and Water Retention
Too much sodium causes your body to retain fluid, leading to swelling in your feet and ankles. The Mayo Clinic notes that excess salt raises blood vessel pressure, pushing fluid into surrounding tissues. This buildup, called edema, is often most visible in the lower legs, where gravity hinders circulation.
If you have varicose veins, spider veins, or venous insufficiency, fluid retention can worsen swelling and discomfort. Cutting back on sodium, staying hydrated, and wearing compression stockings can help, but if swelling persists, schedule an evaluation with a CVR vein doctor for expert diagnosis and treatment.
Urgent Warning: Contact your healthcare provider if you notice swelling, shiny or stretched skin, or skin that dimples when pressed (pitting edema). Seek emergency care for shortness of breath, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat; these are signs of pulmonary edema, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment.
3. Poor Circulation
Remaining in one position for long periods, whether at a desk or on your feet, causes blood and fluid to pool in the lower legs. The Cleveland Clinic notes that this reduced circulation can worsen leg pain, swelling, and the appearance of varicose veins. Over time, pressure in the leg veins stretches vein walls and weakens the valves that keep blood flowing upward.
Simple actions like flexing your ankles, taking short walks, or elevating your legs throughout the day can make a difference. However, persistent swelling or heaviness may indicate vein disease that needs medical attention. Schedule a consultation with a vein specialist at CVR to restore healthy blood flow and prevent long-term vein problems.
4. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most often in the leg. It can block blood flow and, if it breaks loose, cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE). Warning signs include sudden one-sided leg swelling, warmth, redness, or tenderness. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 30 percent of people with a DVT don’t have symptoms, but sometimes the symptoms are very mild and may not raise concern.
You’re at higher risk if you’ve recently had surgery or been hospitalized, traveled long distances without moving, are pregnant, have cancer, are over 40, have obesity, use estrogen therapies or birth control pills, or have a personal or family history of DVT or varicose veins. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, a D-dimer blood test, and a duplex venous ultrasound to confirm the clot.
Seek medical attention right away if you develop sudden swelling or pain in one leg, experience chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, coughing blood, or fainting.
Center for Vein Restoration offers a same-day DVT rule-out service with on-site imaging, treatment, and follow-up care. Call 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388) for immediate evaluation.
5. Medication-Related Leg Swelling
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause fluid retention or weaken vein walls, leading to swollen feet and ankles. The Mayo Clinic notes that drugs for high blood pressure, steroids, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, and some antidepressants are common culprits. These medications can alter how your body regulates fluids or blood vessel tone, making swelling more likely, especially if you already have varicose veins or venous insufficiency.
Early evaluation with a board-certified Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist can help determine whether medication adjustments or vein treatment may improve your symptoms.
6. Lymphedema
Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system, your body’s natural drainage network, can’t move fluid properly, causing swelling in one or more limbs, usually the legs. It often develops after cancer treatment, surgery, or radiation, but can also result from infection, injury, or inherited conditions.
Common signs include persistent swelling, heaviness or tightness, thickened skin, and recurring infections. Without treatment, it can lead to skin breakdown or sepsis, a life-threatening infection requiring emergency care.
Though not curable, lymphedema can be managed with compression therapy, massage, exercise, and proper skin care.
Because swelling from lymphedema can overlap with vein disease, if you have ongoing or one-sided swelling, schedule a consultation with a CVR vein doctor to pinpoint the cause and start effective treatment.
7. Heart, Kidney, or Liver Disease
Swelling in the feet and ankles can sometimes point to problems with your heart, kidneys, or liver—organs that help regulate fluid balance in your body. When they don’t function properly, fluid can accumulate in the legs and feet, a condition WebMD calls “fluid overload.” Congestive heart failure reduces the heart’s ability to pump effectively; kidney disease leads to sodium and water retention, and liver disease lowers albumin levels, allowing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues.
If you’re worried about swollen legs or ankles, these evidence-based lifestyle strategies can help:
If you have, or suspect you have, any of these conditions and notice new or worsening leg swelling, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. Persistent swelling may also overlap with chronic vein disease, so a complete evaluation should include both medical and venous assessments. A Center for Vein Restoration specialist can help identify whether vein problems are contributing to your swelling and recommend safe, effective treatment options to improve circulation and reduce discomfort.
1. What causes swelling in my feet and ankles?
Swelling occurs when blood or fluid accumulates in the lower legs due to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition in which weakened valves allow blood to flow backward. Other causes include excess salt intake, poor circulation, blood clots, lymphedema, and conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease.
2. How can I tell if my swelling is from a vein problem?
If swelling is accompanied by leg pain, heaviness, visible varicose or spider veins, or skin discoloration, it may indicate a vein issue. A CVR specialist can perform an ultrasound to confirm whether venous insufficiency or another vascular condition is the cause.
3. When should I see a doctor about swelling?
Seek medical attention if swelling appears suddenly, affects only one leg, or comes with pain, redness, warmth, shortness of breath, or chest pain; these may signal DVT or a heart issue. Even mild, persistent swelling should be evaluated to rule out vein disease and prevent complications.
4. What lifestyle changes can help?
Walking regularly, elevating your legs, reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing compression stockings can improve circulation and reduce swelling. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods and take frequent breaks to move your legs.
5. Can vein treatment really help with swelling?
Yes. Minimally invasive vein treatments available at CVR can restore blood flow, relieve pain and heaviness, and reduce swelling caused by vein disease. Early diagnosis helps prevent serious problems such as skin damage or ulcers.
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