Introduction

Do your legs swell by the end of the day? Are your ankles puffy, your calves tight, or your shoes suddenly feel snug? You might assume it's from standing too long or being a little dehydrated—but in many cases, leg swelling is caused by vein problems.

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, leg swelling is one of the top symptoms we evaluate. And in a large percentage of cases, it’s not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a sign of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or underlying vein disease.

This blog will explain:

• Why vein issues cause leg swelling
• The difference between normal and abnormal swelling
• Symptoms of vein-related swelling
• Who’s at risk
• How we diagnose and treat vein-related swelling effectively

Why Vein Problems Cause Leg Swelling

Your veins are responsible for carrying blood from your limbs back to your heart. In your legs, this means blood must travel against gravity—a task that’s made possible by one-way valves in your veins that keep blood flowing upward.

When those valves become weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the lower legs. This leads to increased pressure in the veins, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. The result? Swelling, also called edema.

This condition is called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and it’s one of the most common causes of leg swelling in adults.

Symptoms of Vein-Related Swelling

Swelling from vein disease often begins subtly and worsens over time if left untreated. Common signs include:

• Swelling in the lower legs or ankles, especially at the end of the day
• Tight, heavy, or aching legs
• Skin indentation after pressing on the swollen area (pitting edema)
• Varicose or spider veins visible on the surface
• Skin discoloration or darkening around the ankles
• Itching, burning, or dry skin near the lower leg
• In advanced cases, open sores (venous ulcers) or hardening of the skin

💡 Pro tip: If your swelling improves with leg elevation and worsens after sitting or standing for long periods, it may be vein-related.

Risk Factors for Vein-Related Swelling

Certain conditions and lifestyle factors increase your risk of developing vein disease and swelling:

• Standing or sitting for long periods (e.g., nurses, teachers, office workers)
• Family history of varicose veins or vein disease
• Pregnancy (increased blood volume and pressure on leg veins)
• Obesity (extra pressure on leg veins)
• Aging (vein valves naturally weaken over time)
• Lack of exercise
• History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Vein-related swelling often develops gradually, and many people assume it’s just part of getting older—until symptoms interfere with their quality of life.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?

CVI is the underlying cause behind many cases of leg swelling. It occurs when the valves in the leg veins no longer function properly, causing blood to pool, pressure to build, and fluid to leak out into surrounding tissue.

If untreated, CVI can lead to:

• Progressive swelling
• Pain or throbbing in the legs
• Skin damage (such as eczema or brown discoloration)
• Venous leg ulcers
• Increased risk of blood clots

The good news? CVI is treatable, especially when caught early.

How Is Vein-Related Swelling Diagnosed?

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we use advanced ultrasound imaging to examine the veins in your legs. This painless, non-invasive test allows us to see:

• Whether your veins are functioning properly
• If blood is pooling or flowing backward (reflux)
• Which veins are affected (superficial or deep)
• Whether clots or blockages are present

A proper diagnosis is crucial for tailoring the most effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Vein-Related Leg Swelling

Vein-related swelling won’t go away on its own—but with the right treatment, you can eliminate the root cause, restore circulation, and prevent further complications.

Here are the most effective options:

1. Compression Therapy

Wearing medical-grade compression stockings helps:

• Support the veins
• Reduce fluid buildup
• Improve circulation

Compression is often the first line of treatment and is also used after vein procedures to aid healing.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Certain adjustments can make a big difference:

• Elevate your legs when resting
• Stay active with regular walking
• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay hydrated

3. Sclerotherapy

For smaller varicose and spider veins, sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution that causes the faulty vein to collapse and be reabsorbed. This relieves pressure and improves appearance.

4. Endovenous Ablation (Laser or Radiofrequency)

This minimally invasive procedure treats larger, refluxing veins. Using a catheter, we apply heat (via laser or radiofrequency) inside the vein to seal it shut. Blood is naturally rerouted to healthier veins.

Benefits:

• Performed in-office
• Little to no downtime
• Excellent long-term relief of swelling and heaviness

5. Ultrasound-guided Foam Sclerotherapy

For bulging veins close to the skin, we inject foam into a dilated vein under ultrasound guidance, which is often combined with Endovenous laser ablation for full results.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Leg Swelling

Swelling isn’t just cosmetic. Left untreated, vein problems can:

• Cause skin changes that are difficult to reverse
• Lead to chronic pain, fatigue, and mobility issues
• Increase the risk of venous ulcers and skin infections
• Progress into more serious circulation problems

The earlier vein-related swelling is addressed, the better your chances of avoiding complications and restoring healthy leg function.

Functional Medicine Support for Circulation

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we also take a functional medicine approach to support vein health. That means evaluating and addressing:

• Inflammation and oxidative stress (key drivers of vascular damage)
• Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin C, bioflavonoids, magnesium)
• Chronic stress or cortisol dysregulation (which can impair circulation)
• Blood sugar or insulin resistance (which weakens veins over time)

By optimizing your internal environment, we enhance your results and prevent recurrence.

Final Thoughts

If your legs are swelling consistently, especially toward the end of the day, it’s time to stop ignoring the signs. Vein disease is common, progressive, and treatable—and leg swelling is often your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong with circulation.

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we combine the best of modern vein treatments and root-cause functional medicine to help you feel—and look—your best again.

Tired of dealing with swollen, heavy legs? Let’s find out what’s really going on. Schedule a vein consultation today and take the first step toward healthier legs.

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