Leg Swelling: When It’s a Sign of Vein Disease
Medically verified
Last updated on 1/29/2026
By Dr. Michael Nguyen
Vein Doctor at Vein Treatment Clinic
Harvard Medical School
Board Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
Leg swelling is a common symptom that many people experience at some point, especially in the ankles and lower legs.
While swelling can have many causes, vein disease is one of the most common and often overlooked reasons for chronic or recurring leg swelling.
This page explains why leg swelling occurs, how vein problems contribute, and when evaluation may be helpful.
If your leg swelling is persistent or worsening, a vein evaluation can help determine whether circulation is contributing.
What causes leg swelling?
Leg swelling occurs when fluid accumulates in the tissues of the lower extremities.
This can happen due to circulation issues, inflammation, injury, or problems with how blood returns to the heart.
Leg Swelling before and after treatment pictures.
Results may vary and the results shown are not guaranteed
Leg Swelling before and after treatment pictures.
Results may vary and the results shown are not guaranteed
How vein disease causes leg swelling?
Vein disease causes swelling when veins cannot efficiently return blood upward, leading to increased pressure in the legs.
This pressure pushes fluid out of the veins and into surrounding tissues, causing visible swelling.
Get the Facts on Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Read the Complete Guide
Swollen ankles and lower legs
Swelling related to vein disease often affects the ankles and lower legs and may worsen later in the day.
Elevation often improves swelling overnight, which is a common pattern in venous insufficiency.
Symptom Checker
One leg swelling vs both legs swelling
Swelling in both legs often suggests a chronic circulation issue such as vein disease.
Swelling in one leg may still be vein-related but can also indicate other conditions and should be evaluated.
Leg swelling with varicose veins
Varicose veins and leg swelling frequently occur together.
The presence of bulging veins with swelling increases the likelihood of underlying venous reflux.
Understand Varicose Veins – See How They Form
Leg swelling without visible veins
Not all vein-related swelling is accompanied by visible veins.
Some patients have significant venous insufficiency beneath the surface with minimal outward vein changes.
Table of contents
1. What causes leg swelling?
2. How vein disease causes leg swelling
3. Swollen ankles and lower legs
4. One leg swelling vs both legs swelling
5. Leg swelling with varicose veins
6. Leg swelling without visible veins
7. When leg swelling may signal chronic venous insufficiency?
8. Other causes of leg swelling (and why veins are still evaluated)
9. How leg swelling is evaluated?
10. How vein treatment can improve leg swelling
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Results that speak for themselves
You can expect results like these with our specialized treatments for spider & varicose veins performed by the best experts in the country.
Before
After
A 37-year-old patient visited our Vein Treatment Clinic, seeking relief from unsightly and painful varicose and spider veins. We performed radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments, significantly improving the veins’ appearance and completely eliminating discomfort. The patient is now enjoying a more active and pain-free lifestyle.
Before
After
A 69 year-old patient visited our California Vein Clinic, embarrassed by spider veins that had impacted their self-esteem. We performed radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments, leaving their legs smooth and healthy. The patient now feels more confident, thanks to this transformative treatment.
Before
After
This 84 year-old patient at our New Jersey Vein Treatment Clinic came in with spider veins that had affected their daily routine. We used radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments to relieve discomfort and restore both their leg health and confidence. The patient now enjoys a more active and fulfilling lifestyle, free from pain.
Before
After
At our Long Island Vein Clinic, we treated this 75 year-old patient with spider veins using radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy. These minimally invasive treatments improved both the patient’s appearance and overall well-being, offering transformative results.
Before
After
This 75 year-old patient visited our Long Island Vein Treatment Clinic with painful spider veins. We used radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy, minimally invasive treatments, to eliminate the veins and restore comfort and confidence. The patient experienced life-changing results
When leg swelling may signal chronic venous insufficiency?
Persistent swelling, skin discoloration, itching, or thickening near the ankles are classic signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
These symptoms often progress if untreated.
Does This Sound Like You? Identify the Warning Signs Before They Progress
Other causes of leg swelling (and why veins are still evaluated)
Leg swelling can also be related to heart, kidney, medication, or lymphatic issues.
A vein evaluation helps rule in or rule out venous causes as part of a complete assessment.
How leg swelling is evaluated?
Evaluation often includes a physical exam and ultrasound to assess blood flow and valve function.
This helps determine whether swelling is vein-related and guides treatment decisions.
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How vein treatment can improve leg swelling?
By improving blood flow and reducing vein pressure, vein treatment can significantly reduce swelling.
Many patients notice improvement in comfort and daily activity after treatment.
< Symptoms of Vein Disease
Chronic Venous Insufficiency >
About the Medical Team at Vein Treatment Clinic
Vein Treatment Clinic is powered by VIP Medical Group and built around a single guiding principle: deliver the highest standard of vein care using an academic, evidence-based approach combined with the most advanced, minimally invasive technology available today.
Clinical leadership at Vein Treatment Clinic is guided by board-certified vein specialists, including Dr. Michael Nguyen, whose training and experience help shape the clinic’s rigorous standards of care.
All physicians at Vein Treatment Clinic follow a structured, highly standardized clinical model. This includes ongoing training in the latest non-surgical vein treatments, continuous review of emerging research, and strict adherence to proven safety and quality protocols.
Patients benefit from a team-based model of care where expertise is shared, best practices are consistently applied, and treatment recommendations are driven by data, experience, and long-term results.
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Start Your Journey to Pain-Free Legs
At Vein Treatment Clinic, education is considered a core part of treatment. Patients are encouraged to understand their condition, their options, and the reasoning behind each recommendation, so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you’d like clarity about your varicose veins and what treatment options make sense for you, a vein evaluation can help guide that decision. Submit the form below to start your journey!
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During the call, they will assist you in scheduling your visit at a convenient time and will also verify your insurance coverage to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
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