Swollen legs and ankles can quickly leave you feeling tired and uncomfortable. Not only is this sort of swelling unattractive, it can also be a sign that your veins are not working as they should. Swelling is a common side effect of vein disease, but there is a large amount of misinformation out there about how best to approach this symptom. NYC vein doctor Dr. Lowell S. Kabnick provides the facts on several common misconceptions about swollen legs and ankles below.

What are the most common myths associated with swollen legs and ankles in NYC?
Myth Number One: Leg and Ankle Swelling Has Nothing to Do With Veins – While swelling in the lower extremities can be caused by a number of different issues (such as pregnancy, injury, and infection), vein disease is also a notable contributing factor. If your veins are not working effectively, fluids may settle into the ankles and lower legs, leading to noticeable swelling.

Myth Number Two: Sitting Still is the Best Way to Treat Leg and Ankle Swelling – When you are living with swollen legs and ankles, it can be very tempting to spend as much time as possible on the couch. While propping your legs up may give you some temporary relief, you are missing out on all of the benefits of regular exercise. If your swelling is caused by vein disease, moving your legs can assist your veins in transporting blood and fluids out of your lower extremities. The muscle movements that occur when you walk, run, bike, swim, or engage in some other active pursuit help move blood against the force of gravity. As a result, you may find your feet less swollen and more comfortable after exercising than before.

Myth Number Three: It is Safe to Ignore Leg and Ankle Swelling – If your swelling does not go away on its own after a few days, it is recommended that you consult with a professional. An NYC varicose vein doctor can work to diagnose the root cause of vein-related swelling. If you choose to ignore this symptom, you may find yourself suffering from serious complications. Dangerous blood clots and painful skin ulcers are associated with untreated vein disease: ignore swelling and you may find yourself with a much more dangerous issue.

Myth Number Four: Vein and Laser Surgery in NJ Won’t Help My Swelling – Fortunately for anyone suffering from vein-related swelling, minimally-invasive vein treatment is available to relieve symptoms and to help restore a healthy vascular system. By sealing off problematic vessels from the rest of the circulatory system, vein treatment allows blood to reroute to healthier veins. This helps to relive swelling and leaves you looking and feeling much better. Leg and ankle swelling can be a persistent and unpleasant side effect of damaged veins. Now that you know the truth, it’s time to start thinking about what to do about it. Our vein laser center in NJ is here to help relieve this symptom (and many others associated with vein disease) and improve your overall wellbeing. We’d love to speak with you further about how Dr. Kabnick can help you live a healthier, more comfortable life. Contact our office at 973-538-2000 to learn more.