🦵 Leg Swelling (Edema) – Internist Geriatrician Doctor PCP Georgetown TX

Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
Sep 30, 2025
3 min read

🌟 Why Leg Swelling Matters

Many people notice their legs or ankles swelling, especially at the end of the day. While sometimes harmless, persistent swelling (edema) can signal underlying health issues that need attention. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we help patients find the cause of their swelling and create personalized care plans for relief and prevention.

🔎 Causes of Leg Edema

Edema happens when excess fluid builds up in the tissues of your legs. Common causes include:

⚖️ Prolonged standing or sitting (fluid pooling in the legs)
🧂 High salt intake
❤️ Heart conditions (like heart failure)
🩺 Kidney or liver disease
🦵 Venous insufficiency (weak leg veins)
💊 Medications (such as blood pressure pills, steroids, or hormones)
🧬 Aging & reduced circulation

🚨 Symptoms to Watch For

Puffy ankles or feet, especially in the evening
Shiny or stretched skin
Indentations (“pitting”) when pressing on the swollen area
Heaviness or discomfort in the legs
Reduced mobility or difficulty putting on shoes

⚠️ Risks of Untreated Swelling

Chronic or severe swelling can lead to:

Pain and mobility problems
Skin breakdown and ulcers
Increased risk of infection
Blood clots (DVT)
Worsening heart, kidney, or liver disease

🧬 What’s Happening Inside (Pathophysiology) by Internist Geriatrician Doctor PCP Georgetown TX

Swelling develops when fluid leaks from blood vessels into surrounding tissues. This may be due to increased pressure in the veins, weakened vessel walls, or imbalances in salt and protein in the blood. Identifying the root cause is essential to proper treatment.

🌱 Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Swelling

🦵 Elevate legs when resting
🧦 Wear compression stockings (if recommended)
🚶 Move around frequently – avoid long sitting or standing
🥗 Eat a low-salt diet
💧 Stay hydrated
🛌 Sleep with legs slightly elevated
⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight

💊 Treatment & Medical Care

At Wellness Bay Primary Care, your Internist Geriatrician doctor PCP Georgetown TX will:

Review your medical history and medications
Check for underlying causes with labs or imaging
Provide tailored advice (such as adjusting diet, fluid intake, or medications)
Recommend compression therapy or prescribe diuretics when appropriate
Create a personalized wellness plan for long-term relief.

❓ Top 10 FAQs About Leg Swelling

Is leg swelling always serious?👉 Not always—mild swelling can come from standing too long, but persistent swelling needs evaluation.
Can high salt intake cause swelling?👉 Yes—salt makes your body hold onto extra fluid.
What does “pitting edema” mean?👉 When pressing on swollen skin leaves an indentation—it’s a common sign of fluid buildup.
Does heart failure cause swelling?👉 Yes—if the heart can’t pump effectively, fluid backs up into the legs.
Can medications cause edema?👉 Absolutely—some blood pressure meds, steroids, and hormones can trigger swelling.
Are compression socks safe?👉 Usually yes, but they should be fitted properly and prescribed when needed.
Does exercise help reduce swelling?👉 Yes—moving muscles pumps fluid back toward the heart.
Should I cut down on fluids if my legs swell?👉 Not without doctor guidance—hydration is still important.
When should I worry about leg swelling?👉 If it’s sudden, painful, one-sided, or comes with chest pain or shortness of breath—seek immediate care.
Who should I see for evaluation?👉 An Internist Geriatrician doctor PCP Georgetown TX can examine you and find the cause.

👩‍⚕️ When to See a Doctor

Call your doctor if:

Swelling is persistent or worsening
It’s painful or only affects one leg
You notice shortness of breath or chest pain (this may be an emergency)
Skin becomes red, hot, or develops sores

📍 At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we carefully evaluate the cause of your swelling and design a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better, move comfortably, and protect your long-term health.

💬 Let’s Keep You Healthy, Together

The Medicare Wellness Visit is your chance to pause, plan, and protect your future health. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we make this visit meaningful, respectful, and centered on you.

📍 Visit us at 4887 Williams Dr Ste 107, Georgetown TX

📞 Call 512.588.7008 or📲 Book online

Proudly, our Internal Medicine Primary Care Practice is Accepting new patients From:

Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, Taylor, Hutto, Pflugerville, North Austin, Brushy Creek, Temple, Harker Heights, Bartram, Lampasas, Killeen, Lago Vista, and surrounding areas across Williamson County and North Austin TX