Why Your Leg Swelling Gets Worse at the End of the Day

Woman measures her swollen lower leg and ankle

If your legs feel more swollen, tight, or heavy at the end of the day, you’re not alone. About 20% of older Americans struggle with chronic leg swelling today.

At McWilliams Vein Center, a board-certified phlebology specialist, Dr. McWilliams, offers comprehensive solutions for leg swelling in Wheaton, IL.

For nearly 20 years, he has helped people like you get real answers and relief from leg swelling. We treat the cause, not just the symptoms, using the latest tools and minimally invasive techniques in our comfortable, state-of-the-art facility.

One of the most common questions patients ask about leg swelling is, “Why does it get worse at the end of the day?” Here’s the answer.

Why Does Swelling Get Worse Later in the Day?

Leg swelling often builds as the day goes on. This happens because gravity consistently pulls blood and fluids downward throughout the day, especially when veins aren’t working well.

Healthy veins send blood back to your heart, where it’s recirculated. But when vein valves weaken, blood can travel the opposite direction and pool in your legs. When added to the effects of gravity, this can make leg swelling worse as you sit or stand for long periods.

Signs that Leg Swelling is a Problem

For some, leg swelling might happen only occasionally and then vanish completely—however, many people with leg swelling experience chronic symptoms due to underlying vascular disease. When you have leg swelling alongside the following issues, you could have vascular problems.

  • Tightness in your calves or ankles
  • Skin that looks shiny or feels stretched
  • Indentations on your lower legs from socks
  • A heavy or aching feeling in your legs

These signs may seem small, but they can grow into bigger issues without proper care.

What Causes Poor Circulation in the Legs?

Poor circulation in the legs, leading to leg swelling, is often tied to chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, or other vascular problems. That’s why a full evaluation, performed by an experienced vein specialist, is crucial for chronic leg swelling.

How We Treat Leg Swelling at the Source

We don’t just mask your discomfort at McWilliams Vein Center in Wheaton. We use tools like ultrasound-guided procedures and catheter-based treatments to detect and address the root cause. With thousands of procedures performed, Dr. McWilliams builds a personalized plan to get you moving comfortably again.

We may recommend:

  • Compression therapy to support blood flow
  • In-office vein treatments that require little downtime
  • Lifestyle tips to reduce swelling throughout the day

We take time to listen, examine, and explain your options. You deserve answers and expert care you can trust.

Get Leg Swelling Relief in Wheaton, IL

Call McWilliams Vein Center at 630-474-2600 in Wheaton, IL, to schedule your consultation and shrink the swelling.

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