Do your legs, ankles, or feet swell throughout the day? Do your shoes feel tighter in the evening, or do your socks leave deep marks on your skin? While occasional swelling may seem harmless, persistent swelling can be a sign of an underlying vein or lymphatic condition that requires attention, and treatment can help.

At Vein Specialists of the South, we understand how swelling impacts your comfort, your confidence, and your daily quality of life. Our mission is to find the cause of your swelling and help you achieve Better Veins for Life®.

Understanding Leg Swelling Related to Vein Disease

You may have been told leg swelling is “just part of getting older” or “because you’ve been on your feet all day.” But deep down, you know something isn’t right. Swelling that worsens throughout the day, doesn’t fully resolve overnight, or is accompanied by discomfort, isn’t something you have to accept.

Common symptoms of vein-related swelling include:

  • Puffiness around the ankles or calves that worsens, as the day goes along
  • A feeling of heaviness or tightness in the legs
  • Indentations from socks or shoes that don’t go away quickly with elevation
  • Skin changes such as thickening, discoloration, or irritation
  • Swelling that improves with elevation or worsens with long periods of standing or sitting

What’s Happening Inside Your Legs?

Healthy veins have one-way valves that keep blood flowing upward toward your heart. When those valves weaken or fail, blood can leak backward and pool in your leg veins. This extra pressure causes fluid to leak into surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.

Common vein conditions that cause swelling include:

  • Chronic venous insufficiency: Faulty vein valves cause blood pooling and fluid buildup.
  • Varicose veins: Enlarged, twisted veins are often associated with swelling and discomfort that improves with elevation, exercise, or wearing compression hose.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins that can cause sudden swelling. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention.
  • Lymphedema: Swelling caused by an overproduction of lymph fluid that overwhelms your lymphatic system, or normal production of lymphatic fluid that cannot be managed by your lymphatic system due to issues with the system.

Other conditions, such as heart, kidney, or liver disease, can also contribute to swelling, which is why expert evaluation is so important.

Why Choose Vein Specialists of the South for Leg Swelling?

Since 1996, Vein Specialists of the South has been the trusted leader in vein care across Middle Georgia. We believe your swelling deserves more than a quick fix — it deserves answers.

Our diagnostic approach includes:

Comprehensive Consultation

Listening to your story and symptoms.

Physical Examination

Evaluating swelling patterns and skin changes.

Accredited Vascular Ultrasound

Performed in our IAC-accredited vascular lab for precise, detailed imaging.

Personalized Treatment Plan

A customized approach based on your unique condition and goals.

Advanced Treatment Options for Leg Swelling

Once we identify the cause of your swelling, we’ll design a treatment plan that may include:

Conservative management: Better Veins For Life Principles

  • Compression therapy
  • Leg elevation strategies
  • Exercise – walking, resistance training
  • Lifestyle modifications – Keto diet, intermittent fasting

Minimally invasive procedures to correct underlying vein problems

  • Endovenous thermal ablation: Heat seals problem veins.
  • VenaSeal™: Medical adhesive closes damaged veins.
  • Sclerotherapy: Injected solution closes spider and varicose veins.
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy: Removes bulging surface veins through tiny incisions.

All treatments are performed in our comfortable office setting with little to no downtime.

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The VSS Difference: Excellence in Vein and Lymphatic Care

AT VSS

When you’re dealing with persistent swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, you deserve a team with the compassion, expertise, and advanced training to uncover the cause and deliver real relief. At Vein Specialists of the South, we’re proud to be recognized as the trusted leader in comprehensive vein, lymphatic, and venous leg ulcer care across Middle Georgia.

25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

For more than two decades, our physicians and your clinical team have focused exclusively on diagnosing and treating vein and lymphatic conditions. This level of dedication means you benefit from specialized knowledge, thousands of successful stories, and a proven track record of patient success. At VSS, it is not another thing we do… it is the only thing we do.

COMMITMENT TO CONTINUING EDUCATION

Vein and lymphatic medicine is always advancing, and so are we. Our physicians and staff continually pursue advanced training in new diagnostics and minimally invasive therapies, ensuring you receive the latest, most effective treatments available.

WOW SERVICE CULTURE

At VSS, medical excellence is paired with a culture of warmth and respect. From your first phone call to your last follow-up, our team strives to deliver a “WOW” experience because we believe exceptional care should feel personal, kind, and supportive at every step.

What Our Patients Say

N. Little

“I came to my first visit with doubt that someone could help my conditions with my legs being the way they were, but after going through therapy I was very pleased with how much swelling had left my legs.“*

Anonymous

In 2007, I retired and relocated to the Macon area. During my working years, I developed large varicose veins and much pain. The veins were so bad that I had to wear pants to the beach so no one would see my legs. I made an appointment with our new physician in Macon. I asked him if something could be done with my legs other than just stripping the veins. His comment was, “I have just the doctor for you, Dr. Harper.” In fact, he was going for a procedure on one of his legs. After an extensive examination and consultation with Dr. Harper, I felt that I had finally found the physician to perform my vein procedures. Dr. Harper did one leg one week and the other leg the next week. The one thing that amazed me was within several days of each operation, I was able to resume most normal activities. In March of 2008, Dr. Harper performed what I would call a miracle on my legs. I no longer have pain in my legs and I wear shorts almost every day. Doctor Harper and his staff spoke with me and gave me pamphlets on how to take care of my legs. I’m well aware that I have to take care of my legs and now I have the knowledge to do so.*

Anonymous

My experience has been AWESOME! From the consultation to the procedure, as well as the follow-ups! Everyone is so nice and genuinely cares about your well-being. The nurses and Dr. Harper really do make the procedure a stress-free and calm experience. The office and front desk staff are awesome as well! Truly could not say enough nice things about this practice!

Anonymous

After my first office visit, I felt so much better! My legs are not swollen and feel so light again. I'm able to take a brisk walk without pain. Thank the Lord that Vein Specialists treated me when no one else would!

Individual Results May Vary

Hear From More Patients

Relief From Swelling Starts Here

Swelling isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be a sign of something serious. Don’t ignore it or assume it’s “just aging.” Our team is ready to help you understand the cause, find the right treatment, and reclaim the comfort and confidence you deserve.

Schedule your consultation with Vein Specialists of the South today. Call (478) 743-2472 or complete our online form to book your appointment.

Are painful Swollen Legs preventing you from enjoying an evening out with friends?

  • Identify the causes of leg swelling.
  • Learn why swollen leg symptoms affect your quality of life.
  • Understand how working with a specialist in lymphedema care makes a difference.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is leg swelling always a sign of vein disease?

No. Swelling can also be related to other issues such as heart, kidney, or liver issues. Common over-the-counter and prescription medications can cause swelling, too. However, in up to 30% of patients with swelling and vein problems, swelling may be their only complaint.

Will my insurance cover treatment for leg swelling?

Many insurance plans cover treatments for chronic leg swelling when medically necessary. Our team will help you navigate your coverage and maximize benefits.

How long does treatment take?

The first step is an initial evaluation which may last 60 – 90 minutes. It is performed in our comfortable office setting.. Often, a specialized duplex ultrasound test or other test may be necessary.

Depending on your evaluation, a custom plan will be recommended to address your concerns. Treatment times may vary.

When will I see results?

That depends on the underlying cause of your swelling. Some patients notice improvement within days, though it may take weeks for swelling to fully improve in other circumstances.

What if I’ve already tried compression stockings?

Compression stockings are helpful, but often not enough on their own. We focus on treating the root cause for lasting relief, so that you can enjoy life again as you live, work, and play.

Can swelling come back after treatment?

At VSS, we will provide you with long-term guidance on lifestyle changes and preventive measures to help you maintain your results.