What Are the Most Common Reasons for Lower Leg Swelling?

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Lower Leg Swelling?
The role of varicose veins is a progressive and complex illness. It currently affects millions of Americans due to age, gender, weight, and a myriad of other conditions. Here are some of the most common reasons for lower leg swelling to know.

What Is Lower Leg Swelling?

Lower leg swelling is commonly known as edema. During the aging process, the natural body begins to change. Most people experience new slowness, tenderness, and aches and pains in their bodies. Occasionally, this can develop into edema in the legs for a certain percentage of people. Edema is the abnormal excess accumulation of fluid within the connective tissue. Chronic edema often results in pain, heaviness, weakness, and mobility limitations. Be on the lookout for edema if you suspect it. Consistent swelling is a common sign and indicates foot and ankle complications. Experiences can differ between those with edema. Some people may see their sock imprint at the end of the day, while others can press a finger into the skin and cause indentation. Common causes include old age, obesity, deep vein thrombosis, and a family history of edema and leg injuries. Standing for long hours each day, certain medications, venous disease, and trauma can also cause edema.

Common Treatments

Treating edema is not impossible, and contemporary medical treatments are available for those suffering from it. Before any treatment can begin, you must receive a medical diagnosis from a health-care practitioner. They will recommend treatments based on any underlying causes to mitigate swelling. Then, any remaining swelling is extracted to avoid worsening the area. Compression therapy is a common treatment involving several steps to avoid permanent tissue damage. Commonly, these may include manual lymph drainage to push fluid to working lymphatic nodes, exercise programs and short-stretch compression bandaging, and frequent mobility work to avoid pressure sores. Proper rest ensures low pressure on the leg while allowing the calf and muscle contractions to function.

Other Things To Note

When thinking about the most common reasons for lower leg swelling, edema may seem scary, but it’s not a grave concern due to the advancements in medical technology. Fortunately for you, the Vein Company specializes in lower leg swelling for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. If you’re looking for a Chattanooga vein clinic, look no further. We’re here to provide the best assistance and treatment plans that work for you. We also have five other locations around Tennessee and Virginia with tailor-made treatments and diagnostic techniques that meet Medicare and most major insurance providers. Customer care is our top priority, so visit us today to treat your edema and other venous conditions.

5 Simple Lifestyle Changes That Help Prevent Varicose Veins

5 Simple Lifestyle Changes That Help Prevent Varicose Veins

Whether you’re worried about developing varicose veins in the future or trying to deal with the ones you have currently, don’t feel like there isn’t hope for improvement. It might surprise you to learn that preventing varicose veins doesn’t take a ton of concerted effort. We’ll show you a few simple lifestyle changes that help prevent varicose veins to give you the edge in the fight against them.

Move Your Legs Throughout the Workday

Many of us work pretty sedentary jobs these days. Plenty of us are now stuck sitting at desks or even in our home offices. Try not to stay in the same sitting or standing position for too long while you’re working. You want to keep the blood in your legs circulating, not pooling which can cause or worsen varicose veins. Simple stretching and bending your legs a few times throughout the day can keep your blood from pooling.

Wear Compression Stockings

If you feel that your blood is prone to pooling in your legs and you are often sedentary, compression garments like stockings can be a life changer. Compression stockings place pressure on certain places in your legs that encourage blood to flow unimpeded. While moving your legs is still essential, these compression garments can continue to help even when you are sitting or standing still.

Reduce Sodium Intake

Your salt, or more specifically sodium, intake should be on your radar if you’re worried about varicose veins. A diet heavy on sodium means that your body may retain much more water, contributing to issues like varicose veins. This extra fluid you’re holding can also pool in your legs, which is painful whether or not you already have varicose veins.

Avoid Overly Tight Clothing

While compression garments are carefully designed for blood flow, tight-fitting clothes are definitely not. Any clothing that may restrict your blood flow from your legs to your heart could contribute to varicose veins. Body-shaping garments such as girdles or very tight jeans can reduce blood flow and exacerbate issues caused by varicose veins.

Focus on Aerobic Exercise

Adding more aerobic exercise to your day is one simple lifestyle change to prevent varicose veins. Aerobic activities such as walking, running, and cycling help strengthen your heart and improve your body’s blood flow, helping to prevent varicose veins from developing. In contrast, anaerobic exercises, such as weightlifting, could strain your veins and worsen the problem.

If you’re searching for a varicose vein clinic that can help, you’re already in the right place. The Vein Company can assist you with preventing and treating varicose veins if you’re looking for the best support possible.

Is Varicose Vein Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Is Varicose Vein Treatment Covered by Insurance?

It’s essential to have the proper medical coverage for any condition. Some conditions underlie more serious illnesses that patients may not be aware of. However, a cosmetic procedure can cause some confusion as to whether insurance covers it or not. For example, you may wonder if varicose vein treatment is covered by insurance. Fortunately, it does, but there are some other considerations to know. Read on to learn more.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a medical condition in which the leg veins enlarge, leading to discoloration or physical abnormality, such as bulging or twisting. Symptoms include pain, discomfort, restless legs, muscle aches, or heaviness. They may indicate a more serious medical condition, specifically blog clots or leg ulcers. Varicose veins affect approximately 33 percent of women and 20 percent of men and result from aging, obesity, leg injuries, menopause, or pregnancy.

Does Insurance Cover It?

If you experience varicose veins, you’re likely wondering if varicose vein treatment is covered by insurance. The short answer is yes. Most insurance companies will process a claim for varicose veins if deemed medically necessary. Insurance companies will not cover treatment if the doctor considers it a cosmetic procedure. Therefore, claimants should have a medical diagnosis and a physician’s referral. Doing so often requires the patient to experience complications from leg ulcerations, ruptured veins, or blood clots. Get an ultrasound to determine a more serious medical condition if you have already tried preventative measures, such as exercise, weight loss, heat-cold packs, or other self-remedies. You may need to provide ultrasound results to your insurance company for them to process the claim.

Other Considerations

Some employer exclusion policies exclude varicose veins from their coverage. If you’re uncertain, call your insurance company to ensure they cover it. You may also need to notify your employer to include varicose veins in their policy. Most treatment centers accept varicose vein insurance claims, but if you face any difficulties, call your insurance provider and explain the situation.

Fortunately, at the Vein Company, you don’t need to worry. We accept various insurance for varicose veins and other related vein conditions. As your go-to vein clinic, we ensure the best medical treatments for varicose, spider, and reticular veins. Fill out our new patient form to start, or call us today if you have any questions or concerns, and our team will happily assist you.