Edema Specialist

MD Vein & Skin Specialists

Clement Banda, MD

Dermatologist & Phlebologist located in Owen Brown, Columbia, MD

Are you experiencing swelling in your legs and ankles? You may have a circulation issue causing fluid to build up, also known as edema. Dr. Clement Banda at MD Vein & Skin Specialists in Owen Brown, Columbia, Maryland, can determine if your leg and ankle edema is due to poor circulation caused by issues such as varicose veins and provide appropriate treatment. Call today or schedule an appointment online.

443-706-8408

Edema Q & A

What is edema?

Edema, also known as leg swelling, is a health condition marked by the buildup of fluids in the ankles and legs. If you’re experiencing any type of edema, you should contact MD Vein & Skin Specialists right away for an evaluation and determination of the cause of your edema, especially if you’re also experiencing pain or discomfort.

What causes edema?

Edema is caused by the leaking of fluids from your veins and arteries. You may be experiencing this leakage for a number of reasons, including:

Sitting or standing too long
Premenstrual symptoms
High sodium intake
Medication
Sign of congestive heart failure
Kidney disease

Damaged or weak veins also cause edema. As a vein specialist, Dr. Banda can evaluate the health of your veins using color duplex ultrasound technology and determine whether venous issues are causing your edema. Chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins may be causing your edema.

During your ultrasound, Dr. Banda also looks for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that requires specialized treatment to prevent a stroke or heart attack.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins that may cause a blue road map of lines on your legs.

The veins in your body are responsible for getting blood back to your heart for reoxygenation. When the valves in your legs that assist in pushing blood back to your heart fail or weaken, they cause a backup of blood that results in varicose veins.

In addition to changing the appearance of your legs, varicose veins may affect health and circulation and may be behind your swollen legs.

How is edema treated?

If your edema is due to a circulation issue related to your veins, Dr. Banda can develop a treatment plan to improve the flow of fluids and lessen your discomfort.

Initially, he may recommend supportive hosiery to help the flow, as well as keeping your legs elevated when you can.

If conservative efforts fail to improve your edema, Dr. Banda may recommend a minimally invasive treatment such as:

Endovenous ablation: laser therapy that shrinks and destroys the vein
Ambulatory phlebectomy: removal of your vein through a small incision
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy: injection of a special foaming solution to destroy the vein

For expert care of your edema, call MD Vein & Skin Specialists or use the online booking button to schedule a consultation.

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