Ankle Swelling (Edema)
If your ankles are puffy by day’s end, or your socks leave deep marks, you may be dealing with edema, a buildup of fluid in the tissues. One common and treatable cause is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where vein valves don’t close properly and pressure builds in the lower legs. Typical clues include heaviness, aching, and swelling that’s worse after standing or later in the day.
Vein-related ankle swelling is usually from CVI. People with CVI often report leg discomfort, heaviness, itching, nighttime cramps, and dependent (gravity-related) swelling that improves with elevation or rest.
Other conditions can cause swelling, heart, kidney, or liver disease; lymphedema; and certain medications, so part of our job is figuring out what’s behind your symptoms.
Is Ankle Swelling Vein-Related?
What We Treat for Vein-Related Ankle Swelling
- Chronic venous insufficiency and ankle edema (heaviness, aching, swelling).
- Skin changes from long-standing vein disease (venous stasis dermatitis: discoloration, itching, tenderness).
Venous leg ulcers near the ankle occur when pressure stays high over time.
Our goal is simple: reduce ankle swelling, ease symptoms, protect your skin, and treat the underlying vein problem when present.
Conservative Care
Medical-grade compression, leg elevation, walking/calf-pump exercises, and weight management support circulation and are first-line for many with CVI.
Minimally Invasive Vein Procedures
- Endovenous thermal ablation (RFA/EVLA): closes a refluxing saphenous vein via a thin catheter; outpatient with quick recovery. Major societies recommend endovenous ablation over surgical stripping for suitable patients.
- VenaSeal™ (cyanoacrylate closure): seals the faulty vein without heat; supported by multi-year outcomes data.
- Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS): targets refluxing or feeder veins below the surface; effective and often used for recurrent disease.
- Ambulatory microphlebectomy: removes ropy surface varicose veins through tiny skin openings; typically local anesthesia and outpatient. Often combined with ablation when needed.
We follow current vascular guidelines for varicose vein disease and superficial reflux.
Ankle Swelling Treatment Options at Vein Institute
When Ankle Swelling Is An Emergency
Get immediate medical attention if swelling is sudden and one-sided, or if it’s with chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or fainting, possible signs of a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
What to Expect at Vein Institute
- A clear diagnosis to determine if your ankle swelling is vein-related
- Ultrasound-guided mapping when necessary
- A step-by-step plan, starting with conservative care and adding targeted procedures if they’ll help your symptoms
Convenient scheduling at our Milford, Newtown, Shelton, or Fairfield offices; call (203) 426-5554
Book a Consultation to Start Healing Your Ankle Swelling
Contact us and we’ll schedule you in Milford, Newtown, Shelton, or Fairfield, whichever is closest. We’ll find the first available appointment, check insurance and any referral requirements, explain what to expect, and give you directions and parking for your chosen location.