Swollen legs and ankles are one of the most common reasons adults on Long Island seek medical attention. The cause is not always obvious. Swelling can come from vein problems, heart or kidney issues, medications, injuries, or prolonged sitting and standing. Knowing when swelling is routine and when it needs urgent attention can make a real difference.
Common Causes of Leg Swelling
Venous insufficiency is one of the most frequent causes. When vein valves in the legs weaken, blood pools instead of returning to the heart. This causes ankle swelling that worsens through the day and improves overnight. It often accompanies varicose veins, heavy legs, and skin changes near the ankles.
Medication side effects can cause bilateral leg swelling. Blood pressure medications (especially calcium channel blockers like amlodipine), diabetes medications, hormones, and anti-inflammatory drugs are common culprits. If swelling started shortly after beginning a new medication, mention it to your doctor.
Prolonged sitting or standing slows the return of blood from the legs. Long Island commuters who sit on the LIRR for an hour each way, or workers who stand all day in retail or healthcare, often notice worse swelling by evening.
Lymphedema causes swelling when the lymphatic system cannot drain fluid properly. This may follow surgery, radiation treatment, infection, or develop without a clear cause.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a leg vein. It typically causes sudden, one-sided swelling with pain, warmth, and redness. DVT is a medical emergency because the clot can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Seek immediate care if you develop sudden one-sided leg swelling.
Heart, kidney, or liver conditions can cause fluid retention that shows up as leg swelling, often in both legs. This type of swelling may come with shortness of breath, fatigue, or changes in urination.
When Leg Swelling Is Urgent
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for: sudden severe swelling in one leg with pain and redness (possible DVT), leg swelling with chest pain or shortness of breath (possible pulmonary embolism), leg swelling with fever and skin that is hot and red (possible infection).
Schedule a doctor visit soon for: swelling that persists for more than a few days, swelling that keeps getting worse, swelling with skin changes like brownish discoloration or itching, swelling with visible varicose veins or heavy legs, and new swelling that started after a medication change.
How Leg Swelling Is Evaluated
At M&S Vascular in Great Neck, Dr. Amir Salem evaluates leg swelling by reviewing your symptoms, medications, medical history, and the swelling pattern (one leg vs. both, timing, associated symptoms). A focused vascular exam checks pulses, skin condition, and visible vein patterns.
When vein disease is suspected, duplex ultrasound can identify venous reflux, blockages, or blood clots. Additional testing such as ABI (ankle-brachial index) may be used to check arterial circulation. The goal is to identify the cause accurately so treatment addresses the right problem.
Treatment Options
Venous insufficiency responds well to compression therapy, elevation, exercise, and when appropriate, minimally invasive vein procedures like ablation or sclerotherapy. Medication-related swelling may improve with a dosage adjustment (coordinated with your prescribing doctor). Lymphedema benefits from compression garments and specialized therapy.
The M&S Great Neck office at 935 Northern Boulevard evaluates and treats leg swelling for patients from across Long Island. Whether you are in Valley Stream, Garden City, Commack, or Babylon, vascular evaluation is accessible without traveling into the city. Call (516) 960-1954.