Leg Swelling

Many patients are frustrated with their swelling and the slow response in the medical community to provide answers or treatment options. There are temporary causes or more serious underlying conditions that can explain lower extremity swelling.

Temporarily, things like prolonged standing, excessive heat, or traveling can worsen the swelling in legs that often resolves quickly. Other problems like eating high-salt foods and inactivity are also the culprit. Certain medications can cause swelling as a side effect.

Other more serious problems should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you have risk factors such as, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, are over the age of 65, have multiple medical conditions, or are a smoker.

The most common causes of swelling in the legs, or lymphedema, is obesity. This is followed by patients who have a history of cancers and lymph node resection. Patients who have had leg surgeries or injuries can also have permanent damage to their lymph system.

Finally, you should have an evaluation of venous insufficiency as a potential contributor. At Vanish, we do a thorough workup and you do not require a referral from your doctor. We will send the medical records and our evaluation to your doctor to help them keep track of your complete healthcare journey.

No Cost Measures to Improve Swelling

Not everything that is doctor recommended requires insurance or costs. Walking is the best exercise you can do to improve leg swelling. The calf muscle actively propels the blood flow back to the heart instead of allowing it to pool below the knee. Likewise, avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Get up and move around or take a break to sit down if your job requires this of you. For those that have trouble with walking (use walkers or assistance), you can mimic walking by flexing and pointing the foot, which is called a calf pump. This is also a great way to move the blood flow in your legs when you are sitting on a long plane flight or road trip.

Elevating your legs above the pelvis can also greatly reduce the swelling. Unfortunately, it’s a temporary measure and we simply can’t live with our legs elevated all the time!

Pneumatic Compression Pumps

Several companies manufacture pneumatic compression pumps. There are over the counter, less expensive options, to medical grade, prescription strength options that are often covered by insurance companies. These devices are used once daily and gently propel the lymphatic fluid to the body to reduce the swelling in the legs. The lymphatic system is very delicate and injured easily so we make sure you are referred to the right place for an evaluation of the best prescription pump for you, should this be helpful. When used regularly and as directed, patients can have significant long-term relief.

Lymphedema Decongestant Therapy

Sometimes, we refer patients to outpatient treatment centers for lymphedema decongestant therapy (LDT). This is performed by licensed lymphedema therapists and is often covered by your insurance. They will perform techniques exclusively aimed at relieving acute and severe swelling or chronic swelling that persists despite other, more advanced treatments. There are options for out of pocket self-referral centers upon request!

This therapy is not to be confused with “lymphatic massage” that is sometimes provided by massage therapists with specialty training. Lymphedema therapists are certified medically and trained as licensed occupational or physical therapists and require a prescription by a physician.