Swollen Legs: Causes and Therapies. Interview with Dr. Marco Franceschini

Leg problems are a crucial issue, given the vital role they play in our daily lives. In this interview, Dr. Marco Franceschini, vascular surgeon and expert angiologist, takes us through an analysis of the main causes of these disorders.

Dr. Franceschini, what are the most common reasons for swollen legs and feet?

Venous or lymphatic problems, such as venous-lymphatic insufficiency, often cause swelling. There are several factors, more or less serious, that can cause this swelling in the lower limbs. Dependent oedema, for example, occurs when gravity forces blood into the veins of the legs, creating accumulation and swelling, a common phenomenon in people who stand for long hours or, conversely, spend a lot of time sitting.

What is superficial venous insufficiency?

It is a chronic condition that impedes the return of blood from the peripheral veins of the legs to the heart, causing symptoms such as diffuse swelling, heaviness in the limbs, tingling and itching. It can also cause cramps, especially at night.

What actions would you suggest when these symptoms appear?

I would recommend consulting a doctor promptly to identify the underlying causes and define the most appropriate treatment. Treatment varies depending on the severity and any pre-existing medical conditions.

Among the most recent techniques, Endolaser offers a non-invasive treatment for varicose veins in the lower limbs, which can be performed on an outpatient basis and guarantees a complete resolution of the disorder. Sclerotherapy, on the other hand, consists of injecting a sclerosing solution into the malformed veins to close and collapse them.

In some cases, traditional surgery may be necessary.

It is the specialist who assesses the most suitable treatment, which may involve lifestyle modifications, medical therapies or surgery.

Discover the angiology and vascular surgery services at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital and book a free clinical evaluation at the Leg Health Open House on 2 December.