question-icon

What Causes Leg Cramps And Swelling In The Ankles?

default
Posted on Wed, 30 Aug 2017
Question: My left ankle swells at the end of the day when i'm on my feet for 5 to 6 hours continuously. I get just little cramps on my thigh also and it gets tired. Should i see a cardiovascular specialist?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
if related to the heart, would be both lower limbs

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

With a history of swelling at the end of the day, fatigue in the lower limb and use of a compression stocking, this may indicate that you have venous disease.

there are essentially 2 sets of veins in the lower limbs, those just under the skin called the superficial veins and those deeper called the deep veins. The superficial veins send blood to the deep veins and from there it goes back to the heart.

There are one way valves in the veins so blood should only flow in one direction. In persons with a history of prolonged standing or walking or a previous clot or trauma, these valves don't work as they should and blood backs up causing small or large varicose/enlarged veins.

The backing up causing swelling and a tired feeling at the end of the day. Compression stockings are used to try and help the blood get back to the heart.

This is not dealt with by a cardiovascular doctors, initially they are medically treated by a GP or internist
If surgery is required then a vascular surgeon would be best.

The heart can cause swelling of the ankles and legs but it would be both legs/ankles. Kidney ,liver disease or side effect of medication can also cause swelling of both lower limbs

Swelling of one lower limb implies that the cause is related to that limb itself- this can be varicose veins, trauma, infection, arthritis or a clot

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (48 minutes later)
The swelling really started when i flew out and was on the air for about two hours. so do you think the high altitude has something to do with it too? i live in Las Vegas where the temperature averages about 100 degrees and it also started when the hot weather started .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
could aggravate the symptoms

Detailed Answer:
HI

Heat tends to cause veins to dilate so it can cause increased swelling.

The flight was not very long but if you did not get a chance to stretch and do small movements then that would also aggravate venous disease

Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Leg Cramps And Swelling In The Ankles?

Brief Answer: if related to the heart, would be both lower limbs Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic With a history of swelling at the end of the day, fatigue in the lower limb and use of a compression stocking, this may indicate that you have venous disease. there are essentially 2 sets of veins in the lower limbs, those just under the skin called the superficial veins and those deeper called the deep veins. The superficial veins send blood to the deep veins and from there it goes back to the heart. There are one way valves in the veins so blood should only flow in one direction. In persons with a history of prolonged standing or walking or a previous clot or trauma, these valves don't work as they should and blood backs up causing small or large varicose/enlarged veins. The backing up causing swelling and a tired feeling at the end of the day. Compression stockings are used to try and help the blood get back to the heart. This is not dealt with by a cardiovascular doctors, initially they are medically treated by a GP or internist If surgery is required then a vascular surgeon would be best. The heart can cause swelling of the ankles and legs but it would be both legs/ankles. Kidney ,liver disease or side effect of medication can also cause swelling of both lower limbs Swelling of one lower limb implies that the cause is related to that limb itself- this can be varicose veins, trauma, infection, arthritis or a clot I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions