Varicose Veins
Bulging, twisted or aching leg veins and fine spider veins, with minimally invasive treatment options such as EVLA and sclerotherapy.
- Spider veins
- EVLA
- Sclerotherapy
Conditions we treat
Leg Swelling, Heavy Legs and Venous Ulcers
Leg swelling, heavy legs and a non-healing leg wound are often signs that the leg veins are not working well. Finding and treating the cause, not just the symptom, makes relief and healing more likely. Our specialist will look at the whole picture with you.
Illustration: swollen ankle and leg veins
Why do legs swell, and why do some wounds not heal?
When the valves in the leg veins weaken, blood and fluid collect in the lower legs. This raises pressure in the veins and causes leg swelling, a feeling of heaviness, and over time changes in the skin near the ankle. This is called chronic venous insufficiency.
If the pressure stays high, the skin can break down and form a venous ulcer: a shallow, often weeping wound, usually on the inner side of the ankle. These non-healing leg wounds can last for months unless the vein problem underneath is treated.
Leg swelling can also have other causes, such as heart, kidney or thyroid conditions, some medicines, or a clot in the leg. That is why a careful assessment matters.
Common symptoms
- Swollen ankles or legs, worse by evening
- Heavy or aching legs, especially after standing
- Tight, shiny or itchy skin on the lower leg
- Brownish discolouration or hardening of the skin near the ankle
- A leg wound that has not healed in two to four weeks
- A wound that weeps fluid or keeps coming back
When to see a specialist
Consider booking a consultation if:
- Leg swelling that does not go down overnight
- Skin changes such as darkening, eczema or hardening around the ankle
- Any leg wound that has not healed within two to four weeks
- A leg ulcer that has healed before and come back
- Sudden swelling of one leg with pain or redness: seek medical help urgently
How we assess it
Every assessment starts with listening. We take the time to understand the full picture before suggesting anything.
- 1
Consultation
You sit down with the specialist and talk through your symptoms, your concerns and what you would like to achieve.
- 2
Your history
We ask about your health, past illnesses, medicines, family history and daily routine, as these often explain the problem.
- 3
Examination
A gentle, careful examination of the affected area, done in privacy.
- 4
Review of your reports
We go through any previous scans, test results and prescriptions you bring, so nothing is repeated without need.
- 5
Tests, only if needed
If more information would help, your specialist will explain which test is advised and why.
Depending on your symptoms, your specialist may advise a Doppler ultrasound scan of the leg veins, and sometimes blood tests, to find the cause of the swelling or wound.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause and how much it affects your life. Your specialist will explain each suitable option simply, including its benefits and risks, so you can decide together.
Compression therapy
Compression bandages or stockings reduce pressure in the veins, ease swelling and help venous ulcers heal. Your specialist will advise the right type and strength for you.
Wound care guidance
Advice on cleaning, dressings and protecting the skin, coordinated with your wound care so the ulcer has good conditions to heal.
Treating the faulty veins
When leaking veins are the cause, minimally invasive treatment such as EVLA or sclerotherapy can help an ulcer heal and lower the chance of it returning.
If a procedure is recommended, your specialist will explain it and arrange it at a hospital, and you will continue your follow-up here at Vessels Clinic.
Living with it: self-care tips
- Raise your legs above heart level several times a day
- Walk regularly and do simple ankle exercises when sitting
- Wear compression exactly as advised; remove it if it causes pain or numbness
- Keep the skin of your legs clean and moisturised
- Protect your legs from knocks and scratches
- Do not apply home remedies or powders to a wound
Frequently asked questions
No. It can also come from the heart, kidneys, thyroid, some medicines or a clot. The specialist will consider all of these and advise tests only if they are needed.
Most venous ulcers are caused by high pressure in faulty leg veins. Dressings protect the wound, but compression and treating the underlying veins are usually needed for it to heal.
Sometimes, but only after the circulation in your legs has been checked. Compression on a leg with poor arterial blood flow can cause harm.
Explore
Related conditions
Diabetic Foot
Circulation problems, numbness and foot wounds in people with diabetes, assessed early to protect the foot.
- Poor circulation
- Foot wounds
- Diabetes
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Leg pain while walking and poor blood circulation in the legs caused by narrowed arteries, with options including angioplasty and stenting.
- Leg pain while walking
- Angioplasty
- Stenting
Questions about leg swelling & venous ulcers?
Message us on WhatsApp or call the clinic to book an unhurried consultation with the specialist.