Discover the causes of your swollen legs
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The quiz results won’t give a diagnosis, but will help guide you to the best solution for diagnosis and treatment based on your symptoms.
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Your path to discovering the cause of your swollen legs starts here
How We Can Help You
Whether you’re dealing with the discomfort and appearance of varicose veins or suspect you have lipoedema, Vein Doctors Group and Lipoedema Surgical Solution are here to help.
We offer expert diagnosis and personalised treatment plans, all conducted at our specialist clinics or purpose-built licensed private hospital. Our comprehensive management of swollen legs includes both conservative measures and surgical interventions.
Our priority is to provide a complete treatment plan for our patients that ensures excellent medical and aesthetic outcomes.
Four Common Causes of Swollen Legs
Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency
These are caused when the valves inside your leg veins don’t keep the blood flowing up toward your heart. Instead, blood pools and causes bluish clusters of varicose veins on your skin.
Varicose vein symptoms can include:
• Heaviness
• Aching or throbbing
• Bulging veins
• Cramping
• Swelling
• Painful legs
• Itchiness or burning sensations
• Skin discolouration and sores
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Thrombophlebitis
Having DVT means there’s a blood clot in one of your leg veins.
If it breaks off and travels to your lung, it’s called a pulmonary embolism which can be life-threatening.
In thrombophlebitis, clots form closer to the surface of the skin and aren’t likely to break off. 70% of clots in veins are attributed to varicose veins, which if managed appropriately can eliminate this risk.
One of the first symptoms of DVT or thrombophlebitis is a swollen leg (especially the calf). Check with your doctor immediately if you have swelling in one leg or any of these other symptoms:
• Leg pain and tenderness
• Skin that’s tinged red or blue
• Skin that feels warm
Additional causes can be chronic conditions which result in long term suffering for patients.
Lipoedema
This chronic condition is characterised by a painful and abnormal accumulation of fat cells in the hips, thighs, buttocks, legs and often arms. Your legs may become swollen, bruise easily, feel tender, heavy, and painful.
Patients that suffer from early-stage lipoedema may have column-shaped legs that are disproportionate in size. As the condition worsens the fat continues to build up and the lower half of their body becomes heavier. The lipoedemic fat can also build up in the arms. The fat cannot be exercised or dieted away, weight loss surgery and medications will not remove the diseased fat. Many patients eat well and exercise yet continue to develop fat on their lipoedemic areas.
The condition almost exclusively affects women, and it is estimated that 1 in 10 women suffer with lipoedema. The most common time of onset is around puberty or when there are other hormonal shifts. Early diagnosis leads to early intervention through appropriate conservative management and surgery to remove the fat so it does not progress.
Lymphoedema
A long term condition where a buildup of fluid in your body’s soft tissues causes swelling. This is caused when lymph nodes are damaged or become blocked. Lymphoedema can occur anywhere in your body but is normally seen in the arms and legs. It cannot be cured but it can be managed.
Primary Lymphoedema is often a genetic condition which people are born with. Although it can occur at any age, primary lymphoedema usually develops in early childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.
Secondary Lymphoedema is caused by damage to, or blockage of, your lymphatic system. This can be attributed to surgery, tissue damage, radiotherapy for cancer, infection, cancer, obesity, or as a result of lipoedema.
Our Process
- 01
Ultrasound Imaging and Consultation
Vascular ultrasound provides a full real-time picture to enable safe and targeted treatment of the underlying causes before, during and after your treatment plan.
- 02
Diagnosis and Management
A comprehensive suite of modern treatments ensure your condition is treated and managed to meet your unique needs.
- 03
Treatment
All venous issues are treated by Vein Doctors Group. Lipoedema conservative management and surgery is performed by Lipoedoema Surgical Solution.
For further information please call us on 1800 483 467
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may have questions about the causes of swollen legs. Our FAQs provide answers to common questions. For more information please call us: 1800 483 467 or get in touch using the form below.
Why Choose Vein Doctors Group?
Experts in Swollen Legs
Sub-specialised training in lipoedema & lymphoedema.
Experienced Phlebologists
Extensive training from the Australian College of Phlebology.
Ultrasound Guidance
Individualised treatment based on vascular diagnostic ultrasound imaging.
High Patient Satisfaction
Proven success in achieving both a great medical and aesthetic result.
Understanding Vein Health
Learn why veins change and how to prevent problems.
Treating the Root Cause
Avoid recurring vein issues with deeper analysis.
Results That Last
We target the source for a lasting outcome.
Long-Term Care
Follow-ups ensure your veins stay healthy.
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Make an enquiry or book a consultation with one of our expert phlebologists.
