Having big/swollen legs related to varicose veins?

Is the increase in size of my legs, particularly in my calves related to having varicose veins? How will I know? And if sclerotherapy will help?

Answers from doctors (7)


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

See a vein specialist. Complex question.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

See a vein specialist. Complex question.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 10, 2012

It can be related to venous insufficiency.

Generally if this is the cause it can be treated with various procedures. Usually sclerotherapy is not the only treatment however, there are many potential causes for leg swelling however see your provider for further evaluation.

Michael D. Ingegno MD

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

It can be related to venous insufficiency.

Generally if this is the cause it can be treated with various procedures. Usually sclerotherapy is not the only treatment however, there are many potential causes for leg swelling however see your provider for further evaluation.

Michael D. Ingegno MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2012

You should be thoroughly evaluated by a surgeon experienced in the treatment of vein disease to establish if there is an underlying cause. This involves a full medical history, physical exam and an ultrasound of the deep and superficial venous systems. Then be given appropriate treatment options.

Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You should be thoroughly evaluated by a surgeon experienced in the treatment of vein disease to establish if there is an underlying cause. This involves a full medical history, physical exam and an ultrasound of the deep and superficial venous systems. Then be given appropriate treatment options.

Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

If you have varicose veins then it is quite possible that your leg swelling is due to your veins. However you could also have swelling due to veins and not having obvious noticeable varicose veins.
You need a vein especialist to examine your legs.
Dr Farhy

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

If you have varicose veins then it is quite possible that your leg swelling is due to your veins. However you could also have swelling due to veins and not having obvious noticeable varicose veins.
You need a vein especialist to examine your legs.
Dr Farhy

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Think of venous insufficiency as the diagnosis rather than varicose veins.
Venous insuff is an umbrella diagnosis under which varicose veins, swollen
achy legs, fatigued and heavy legs, skin changes around the ankles and
ulceration and bleeding form varicose veins. Many patients do not have
external varicose veins yet still have severe edema and thick calves and
what is often referred to as "cankles". You need an ultrasound for venous
insufficiency not sclerotherapy at this point.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

Think of venous insufficiency as the diagnosis rather than varicose veins.
Venous insuff is an umbrella diagnosis under which varicose veins, swollen
achy legs, fatigued and heavy legs, skin changes around the ankles and
ulceration and bleeding form varicose veins. Many patients do not have
external varicose veins yet still have severe edema and thick calves and
what is often referred to as "cankles". You need an ultrasound for venous
insufficiency not sclerotherapy at this point.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


OC VeinCare and Diagnostic Center

Published on Jul 08, 2011

Can be. Most important is to obtain an ultrasound to further delineate your deep system, rule out thrombosis and examine the rest of your superficial system.

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Answered by OC VeinCare and Diagnostic Center

Can be. Most important is to obtain an ultrasound to further delineate your deep system, rule out thrombosis and examine the rest of your superficial system.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 30, 2011

Varicose veins can certainly lead to an increase in size of the legs. You should have a venous ultrasound evaluation to look at the superficial and deep systems before any treatment. Sclerotherapy can be used for varicose veins, but is you have reflux, then this should be treated first.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Varicose veins can certainly lead to an increase in size of the legs. You should have a venous ultrasound evaluation to look at the superficial and deep systems before any treatment. Sclerotherapy can be used for varicose veins, but is you have reflux, then this should be treated first.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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