My Legs are Not Swollen, They are “Swol”
You just came back from your doctor with a diagnosis of Swol legs. The definition of Swol, according to the Urban Dictionary, is a very muscular/strong all around person. Unfortunately, your doctor was just trying to put a hip spin on swollen. You were diagnosed with swollen legs due to venous insufficiency. What does this mean and how is it treated?
Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins are incompetent in returning blood back to the heart, resulting in swelling, varicosities, and potential ulcerations. This is usually caused by valves that are not functioning properly, allowing back flow of the blood.
The backflow of blood results in accumulation that produces swelling and discoloration in the legs and feet. Varicose veins are formed as valves in the interconnecting veins between the deep and superficial veins arent working properly. This causes engorgement of the superficial veins which is what you see. These can be painful.
Ulcerations can form due to the swelling. Typical ulceration location is along the inside of the ankle, but these ulcerations can be extensive on the leg.
Treatment: the mainstay is edema control by helping return the blood back to the heart
- Automated compression pumps
- Medicated wraps if ulcerations are present along with local wound care
If you have recently been diagnosed with Venous Insufficiency OR have any other issue relating to your legs/feet, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Bowman at 713-467-8886 or visit our website.
2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved
Category: Foot Problems
Tags: Leg Pain, Leg Problems, Swelling, Swollen Legs, Ulcerations, Varicose Veins, Vein Problems, Venous Insufficiency