Ankle swelling

Im wearing comprehension stockings for bilateral ankle swelling that began 3 months ago and only have a varicose vein in the left leg. My vascular surgeon doesn't think the surgery will reduce the swelling in the affected leg. What to do?

Answers from doctors (6)


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jan 22, 2012

Swelling may be caused by venous insufficiency in the leg but not likely the cause of swelling in an unaffected leg. Bilateral ankle swelling may may have many causes. You need an evaluation to determine the reason for the swelling before proceeding with an ablation procedure. The swelling could caused medical conditions such as kidney, liver or heart problems. It also may be caused by trouble moving fluid out of tissues, which is called lymphedema. All of these conditions should be investigated.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Swelling may be caused by venous insufficiency in the leg but not likely the cause of swelling in an unaffected leg. Bilateral ankle swelling may may have many causes. You need an evaluation to determine the reason for the swelling before proceeding with an ablation procedure. The swelling could caused medical conditions such as kidney, liver or heart problems. It also may be caused by trouble moving fluid out of tissues, which is called lymphedema. All of these conditions should be investigated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jan 11, 2012

I would get another opinion but if the swelling is in both legs and you only have swelling in one leg he may be correct. You need to have a venous ultrasound done in the standing position to see if you have any reflux in the saphenous veins.
David A. Engleman M.D.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

I would get another opinion but if the swelling is in both legs and you only have swelling in one leg he may be correct. You need to have a venous ultrasound done in the standing position to see if you have any reflux in the saphenous veins.
David A. Engleman M.D.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 11, 2012

Bilateral ankle swelling may may have many causes. You need an evaluation to determine the reason for the swelling before proceeding with an ablation procedure.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Bilateral ankle swelling may may have many causes. You need an evaluation to determine the reason for the swelling before proceeding with an ablation procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Get a second opinion.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Get a second opinion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2012

He is probably correct if he has done all the ultrasound studies. Not all swelling can be resolved even if underlying venous insufficiency is corrected. I would recommend you follow up with your primary care doctor and wear compression.
Norman N Bein MD FACS RVT

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

He is probably correct if he has done all the ultrasound studies. Not all swelling can be resolved even if underlying venous insufficiency is corrected. I would recommend you follow up with your primary care doctor and wear compression.
Norman N Bein MD FACS RVT

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

You should have a vein specialist, ideally Board Certified in Phlebology (Vein Diseases) look at that. You should also have a Cardiologist look at you. Ankle swelling might be caused by vein problems, blood pressure problems, heart problems, medications side effects, etc. You need a more thorough evaluation than just a vascular surgeon expert opinion.
Rodolfo D. Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

You should have a vein specialist, ideally Board Certified in Phlebology (Vein Diseases) look at that. You should also have a Cardiologist look at you. Ankle swelling might be caused by vein problems, blood pressure problems, heart problems, medications side effects, etc. You need a more thorough evaluation than just a vascular surgeon expert opinion.
Rodolfo D. Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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