Leg Swelling Treatment in Chicago
Leg swelling is a vein problem when the valves in the leg veins leak, so blood and fluid pool in the lower legs. Venous swelling is usually worse at the end of the day and better after a night’s rest or with your legs raised. Every visit starts with a venous duplex ultrasound, so treatment is matched to what is actually happening in your veins. Dr. Nidal Elbaridi performs every procedure in the office at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
Opens our secure booking calendar — this page stays open.
Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.
Suspected blood clot: go to the ER.
If one leg is suddenly swollen, painful, warm or red, or you have chest pain or shortness of breath, go to the emergency room now rather than booking a visit.
Signs your swelling comes from your veins
- Swelling in the ankles or feet that builds through the day
- Less swelling in the morning, or after you raise your legs
- Aching, heaviness or tiredness in the same leg
- Visible varicose veins, or spider veins around the ankle
- Darkening, itching or thickening of the skin near the ankle
The underlying problem is called venous insufficiency. You might have it even without visible varicose veins: swelling, heaviness or skin changes can come from a leaking vein you can’t see, and the duplex ultrasound shows it.
Also called
Leg swelling, swollen ankles, swollen feet, edema or venous edema.
When it’s something else
Leg swelling can also come from the heart, kidneys or liver, from medications, from lymphedema, or from a problem in the deep veins. If the ultrasound shows your symptoms come from something other than venous insufficiency, Dr. Elbaridi tells you and coordinates with your primary care doctor.
See your primary care doctor promptly if the swelling comes with shortness of breath when you lie down, sudden weight gain, or swelling in your face, hands or belly.
Your visit and the ultrasound
A visual exam alone isn’t enough. Your evaluation begins with a venous duplex ultrasound, a non-invasive study that measures blood flow direction and velocity, identifies which vessels have valve failure, and shows whether the problem starts in the deep or superficial venous system.
Every vein patient has a duplex ultrasound, usually at the first visit, after Dr. Elbaridi takes your history and examines your legs. He asks when the swelling started, whether it is in one leg or both, and what makes it better or worse, and he reviews your medications.
What to expect
- The scan typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on whether one or both legs are scanned.
- The scan doesn’t hurt; you may feel light pressure from the probe.
- Dr. Elbaridi reviews the results with you, usually at the same visit, and explains which treatment, if any, fits your veins.
How venous swelling is treated
Treatment closes or removes the leaking surface veins, so blood is redirected to healthier veins nearby. Compression stockings, walking and raising your legs help with symptoms, and are often the first step insurance requires.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency heat delivered through a thin catheter closes the vein, which is gradually replaced by scar tissue.
More about vein RFA Adhesive closureVenaSeal
Most patients need only local anesthetic; sedation is available if you want it. You’ll wear compression stockings afterward.
More about VenaSeal Foam injectionVarithena
A medicated foam injected through a small needle under ultrasound guidance. It fills the diseased vein and closes it, with no heat and no incision.
More about VarithenaWhat treatment can do
When swelling comes from vein reflux, closing the leaking vein usually reduces it over the following weeks. Swelling from other causes won’t improve with vein treatment, which is why the ultrasound comes first.
What helps swelling every day
- Raise your legs above heart level for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day
- Wear compression stockings; Dr. Elbaridi recommends the strength, often 15 to 30 mmHg
- Walk every day; your calf muscles help push blood back toward the heart
- Take breaks from long periods of sitting or standing
- Cut back on salty and processed foods, which make the body hold water
Living with venous insufficiency
Compression stockings, regular movement, and periodic follow-up help manage long-term recurrence.
Dr. Nidal Elbaridi, MD
- Harvard Medical School phlebology training (2015)
- Medtronic VenaSeal and radiofrequency ablation certification (2019)
- Boston Scientific Varithena certification (2023)
Insurance and pre-authorization
Medical vein treatment is covered by most insurance when ultrasound confirms venous insufficiency. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward. We do not charge out-of-network rates.
Insurance accepted
Most insurance accepted, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, PPO and HMO plans. Coverage depends on medical necessity — we verify before your visit.
What Chicago patients say about Loop
Dr. Elbaridi and the entire team are truly exceptional. Their bedside manner and genuine care make you feel like more than just another patient…
I’ve been coming to Loop Medical Center for my vein procedures with Dr. Nidal, and I couldn’t be more impressed…
Leg swelling questions, answered
Why do my ankles swell by the end of the day?
When the vein valves leak, gravity pulls blood and fluid down into the lower legs while you are upright. Raising your legs or lying down overnight lets it drain, so the swelling goes down by morning.
When is a swollen leg an emergency?
If one leg is suddenly swollen, painful, warm or red, or you have chest pain or shortness of breath, go to the emergency room now rather than booking a visit.
Is swelling in only one leg a bad sign?
Not always; venous insufficiency can affect one leg more than the other. But new swelling in one leg, especially with pain, needs to be checked for a blood clot the same day.
Will compression stockings help my swelling?
Usually, yes. They ease venous swelling but don’t repair the valves. Many insurers require a trial of compression stockings before they approve a procedure.
Can varicose veins cause swelling even if I can’t see them?
You might. Swelling, heaviness or skin changes can come from a leaking vein you can’t see, and the duplex ultrasound shows it.
Is the evaluation covered by insurance?
When you have symptoms, most plans cover it as part of your evaluation. Coverage depends on medical necessity — we verify before your visit.
Related pages
Book your vein evaluation at Loop Medical Center
Same-week appointments at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
Opens our secure booking calendar — this page stays open.
Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.