Leg edema (swelling) explained : Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
​What Is Leg Edema (Leg Swelling)
At Dr. Soroush Sohrabi Clinics in Dubai, venous causes of leg edema are assessed and treated using advanced diagnostic methods and personalised treatment plans. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the leading cause of leg edema, accounting for approximately 70% of cases. Venous insufficiency develops when the valves in the leg veins weaken or fail, causing blood to pool and increase pressure within the veins. This leads to fluid leakage into surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling, heaviness, and discomfort. Other common causes of leg edema include lymphatic dysfunction, heart failure, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and medication side effects.
What is Edema
Understanding Fluid Retention and Swelling
Leg edema occurs when excess fluid leaks from blood vessels and accumulates in the tissues of the lower limbs. This can be due to poor circulation, venous insufficiency, kidney problems, or heart conditions
Types of Leg Edema
Pitting Edema: When pressed, the skin leaves a temporary indentation.
Non-Pitting Edema: The skin remains firm and does not leave an indentation.
Pitting edema in foot
Causes of Leg Edema
​Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
One of the primary causes of leg swelling is venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins fail to return blood effectively to the heart. This leads to fluid leakage and swelling in the legs. Symptoms often include heaviness, aching, and skin discolouration
Lymphedema: Blocked Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system fails to drain fluid properly, causing chronic swelling.
Heart, Kidney, and Liver Disease
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Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Weak heart function results in fluid retention in the lower limbs.
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Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function causes excess sodium and water retention, leading to leg edema.
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Liver Cirrhosis: Affects protein levels, causing fluid buildup in the legs and abdomen
Medications That Can Cause Leg Swelling
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Blood pressure medications (Calcium channel blockers)
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NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs)​
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Steroids
Lifestyle and External Factors
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Prolonged Sitting or Standing - Reduces circulation, leading to swelling in the lower limbs.
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Obesity - Increases pressure on the veins, contributing to venous insufficiency and fluid retention.
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High Salt Intake - Excess sodium promotes water retention.
Signs and Symptoms of Leg Edema
Common signs and symptoms of leg edema
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Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs that worsens throughout the day.
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A heavy or tight sensation in the legs.
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Skin stretching, shininess, or discolouration in severe cases.
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Pitting (indentation when pressed) or non-pitting swelling.
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Reduced mobility and stiffness in the legs.
When to Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention if you have persistent or sudden leg swelling.
Seek urgent medical care if leg edema is accompanied by:
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Sudden or severe swelling in one leg (possible Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT).
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Pain, redness, or warmth in the swollen area (sign of infection or clot).
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Skin ulcers or persistent non-healing wounds due to prolonged swelling
Diagnosis of Leg Edema
Clinical assessment and Medical History
Your doctor will assess swelling patterns, associated symptoms, and medical history to determine the cause of leg edema.
Leg edema investigations
Investigations for leg edema include:
Doppler Ultrasound of you legs - To check for blood clots (DVT) and venous insufficiency.
Echocardiogram: To Evaluate heart function in suspected heart failure.
Kidney and Liver Function Tests: To identify fluid retention due to organ dysfunction.
Lymphoscintigraphy: To assesses lymphatic drainage in suspected lymphedema cases.
Doppler ultrasound of the legs
Treatment of Leg Edema
At Dr. Soroush Sohrabi’s Clinic in Dubai, a comprehensive assessment is conducted to determine the underlying cause of leg edema. Using the latest diagnostic technologies, including Doppler ultrasound and advanced vascular imaging, a thorough evaluation is performed to assess swelling patterns, venous circulation, and associated medical conditions. This detailed approach ensures precise diagnosis and enables the development of a personalised treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs, promoting optimal vascular health and effective symptom management.
Exercise and Lifestyle Adjustments
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Leg elevation: Practice leg elevation by keeping your legs above heart level for 15-30 minutes daily to help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
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Exercise & Movement: Walking and stretching boost circulation.
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Reduce Salt Intake: Lower sodium to prevent water retention.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps flush excess sodium.
Compression Therapy for Leg Edema
Compression therapy to improve circulation and prevent fluid buildup.
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Graduated Compression Stockings (for mild to moderate edema)
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Medical-Grade Compression Therapy (for chronic venous insufficiency)
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Custom-Fitted Compression Garments
Medical Treatments for Leg Edema
Depending on the medical cause of leg edema, further assessment by other specialties may be required. If the oedema is related to liver disease, kidney dysfunction, or heart failure, consultation with a hepatologist, nephrologist, or cardiologist may be necessary to ensure a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
Surgical treatment for Leg Edema
If leg oedema is caused by venous insufficiency, treatments such as laser therapy, endovenous ablation, and mechanochemical ablation (ClariVein®) can be effective in improving circulation and reducing swelling. These minimally invasive procedures target the underlying venous dysfunction, providing long-term relief with minimal downtime.
Get Expert Leg Edema Treatment in Dubai
Leg oedema can be effectively managed with the right lifestyle changes, compression therapy, and surgical treatments. If your symptoms persist, seeking professional care is essential.
​Contact Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon, at his clinics in Dubai for expert care in varicose vein and leg oedema treatment.