{"id":8523,"date":"2025-01-20T09:27:34","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T09:27:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/leg-swelling-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T20:09:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T20:09:36","slug":"beinschwellungen-varikosis-cvi-bewaehrte-loesungen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/beinschwellungen-varikosis-cvi-bewaehrte-loesungen\/","title":{"rendered":"Leg swelling: Causes, connection to varicosis and CVI"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leg swelling is one of the most common complaints that occur in the summer months. The heat increases the tendency to swollen legs, especially in people with venous disorders such as varicose veins (varicosis) or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). In addition to the visible swelling, many sufferers experience symptoms such as leg pain, a feeling of tightness or heaviness in the legs.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article looks at the various causes of leg swelling, modern treatment options such as VenaSeal, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovascular laser ablation (EVLA) as well as measures to alleviate and prevent symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What causes leg swelling?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leg swelling occurs when fluid accumulates in the tissue. There are a variety of causes for this, ranging from venous problems to other systemic diseases: <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. venous causes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Varicosis (varicose veins):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Damaged venous valves lead to a backflow of blood, which increases the pressure in the leg veins and causes swelling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In advanced stages, CVI leads to persistent swelling, skin changes and even ulcers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>2. lymphatic causes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Lymphedema:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">  A disorder of lymphatic drainage in which the lymph fluid stagnates in the tissue. Lymphoedema often occurs symmetrically, but can also be unilateral. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>3. cardiovascular diseases<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Heart failure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A weakened heart no longer pumps effectively enough, which leads to fluid accumulation in the legs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Thrombosis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A blood clot blocks the blood flow in a deep vein, resulting in acute one-sided swelling.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>4. kidney diseases<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Renal insufficiency:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Impaired kidney function leads to an accumulation of fluid in the body, which often shows up in the legs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>5. hormonal causes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy can lead to fluid retention, as they relax the vein walls and make reflux more difficult.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>6 Medication side effects<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications such as calcium antagonists, corticosteroids or certain antidepressants can have leg swelling as a side effect.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>7. orthostatic swellings<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prolonged standing or sitting, e.g. when traveling, leads to temporary swelling as gravity impedes venous return.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Symptoms and warning signs of leg swelling<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The symptoms of leg swelling vary depending on the cause. However, the following signs are common: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Feeling of tension:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The skin feels firm and taut.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Feeling of heaviness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Especially after long periods of standing or sitting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Pain:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This can be pulling, dull or localized.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Skin changes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pigmentation, hardening or eczema.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Restricted mobility:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Severely swollen legs can make walking difficult.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warning signs that could indicate a serious cause are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One-sided, painful swelling (possible indication of thrombosis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden shortness of breath (possible indication of a pulmonary embolism)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open wounds or ulcers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Modern treatment options for venous causes of leg swelling<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimally invasive treatment methods are now available for patients with varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency. These methods are particularly effective, gentle and do not require long downtimes. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. VenaSeal (vein glue)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VenaSeal is an innovative and <a href=\"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/venenzentrum-leistungen\/krampfadern-behandlungen\/\">minimally invasive method<\/a> that is particularly suitable for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>How does VenaSeal work?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A medical adhesive is inserted into the diseased vein via a catheter. The adhesive seals the vein so that the blood is redirected via healthy veins. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><picture class=\"wp-picture-7512\" style=\"display: contents;\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-1024x536-jpg.avif 1024w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-250x131-jpg.avif 250w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-768x402-jpg.avif 768w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-jpg.avif 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 1012px\"><img data-dominant-color=\"b7b1b9\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #b7b1b9;\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-7512 alignnone not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen.jpg\" alt=\"venaseal-treatment-for-varicose-veins-cvi-swelling-of-legs\" width=\"1012\" height=\"530\" title=\"\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271012%27%20height%3D%27530%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201012%20530%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271012%27%20height%3D%27530%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-200x105.jpg 200w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-250x131.jpg 250w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-400x209.jpg 400w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-600x314.jpg 600w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-800x419.jpg 800w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venaseal-behandlungen.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 1012px\" \/><\/picture><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Advantages of VenaSeal:<\/b><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No need for compression stockings after treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immediate return to everyday activities<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No thermal damage to surrounding tissue<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suitable for patients with sensitive skin or intolerance to heat<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Who is VenaSeal suitable for?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method is particularly suitable for patients with pronounced truncal varicosis and those who want a quick recovery time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. radiofrequency ablation (RFA)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Radiofrequency ablation is a thermal procedure that uses heat energy to close the diseased vein.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>How does XRF work?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A special probe is inserted into the vein via a catheter. The probe generates radiofrequency energy, which heats and contracts the vein wall until the vein is closed. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Advantages of XRF:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High success rate in the treatment of varicose veins<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimal pain during and after the procedure<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short treatment duration (approx. 30-60 minutes)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immediate improvement in symptoms such as swelling and pain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Who is RFA suitable for?  <\/b>Patients with moderate to severe varicosis particularly benefit from this method, as it is effective and well tolerated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>3. endovascular laser ablation (EVLA)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Endovascular laser ablation uses high-energy laser light to close the affected vein.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>How does EVLA work?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A thin laser thread is inserted into the vein. The laser creates a thermal reaction that shrinks the vein wall and closes the vein. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Advantages of EVLA:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very precise treatment, ideal for larger and smaller veins<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term results and high patient satisfaction<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimal scarring, as the procedure is performed without large incisions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Who is EVLA suitable for?  <\/b>EVLA is particularly suitable for patients for whom other procedures would be less effective, as well as for the treatment of larger varicose veins.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Conservative measures to support the treatment<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the procedures mentioned above, there are conservative approaches that help to relieve leg swelling and support healing:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Compression therapy<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wearing medical compression stockings to support venous return.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Particularly effective in combination with exercise.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><b>Movement<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular walking, swimming or cycling activates the muscle pump in the legs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>Cooling and elevation of the legs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold foot baths or cooling compresses reduce acute swelling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevating the legs improves the return flow of venous blood.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>\n<h3><b>Nutrition<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A low-salt diet can reduce fluid retention in the tissues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sufficient fluid intake promotes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hri.org.au\/health\/your-health\/lifestyle\/hydration-and-your-heart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">blood circulation<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><picture class=\"wp-picture-8516\" style=\"display: contents;\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen-1024x585-jpg.avif 1024w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen-768x438-jpg.avif 768w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen-jpg.avif 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\"><img data-dominant-color=\"b98c71\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #b98c71;\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-8516 alignnone not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen.jpg\" alt=\"senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-leg-swelling\" width=\"985\" height=\"562\" title=\"\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27985%27%20height%3D%27562%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20985%20562%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27985%27%20height%3D%27562%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen-200x114.jpg 200w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen-250x143.jpg 250w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen-400x228.jpg 400w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen-600x343.jpg 600w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen-768x438.jpg 768w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen-800x457.jpg 800w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen-1024x585.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/venaziel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/senior-couple-preparing-healthy-food-for-decreasing-risk-for-cvi-and-beinschwellungen.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/picture><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why is early treatment important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leg swelling is more than just an aesthetic problem. Untreated venous disease can lead to serious complications, including: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic pain and restricted mobility<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thromboses (blood clots)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin changes and venous ulcers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Timely diagnosis and treatment minimize these risks and significantly improve the quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>VenaZiel Berlin: Your expert for vein health<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the <\/span><b>VenaZiel Vein Center Berlin<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">  we offer customized solutions for the treatment of leg swelling, varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. Using state-of-the-art technology such as VenaSeal, RFA and EVLA, we guarantee safe and effective treatment tailored to your individual needs. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leg swelling, especially in summer, is a common problem that is often associated with venous disorders such as varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. Modern minimally invasive treatment procedures such as VenaSeal, RFA and EVLA offer effective solutions to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life of those affected. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not hesitate to contact us at the <\/span><b>VenaZiel Vein Center Berlin<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">  to receive individual advice and treatment. Together we will find the best solution for your complaints. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leg swelling is one of the most common complaints that<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8514,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49,48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8523","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-varicose-veins","category-vein-center"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8523","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8523"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8523\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41046,"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8523\/revisions\/41046"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8514"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8523"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8523"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/venaziel.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}