Swollen legs, ankles or feet have many causes. Weak leg veins are a common one, and a clot is the one that cannot wait.1,3
Call 911 for: sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cold, pale and painful leg. These need emergency care.
Edema is swelling caused by fluid in the body’s tissues. It usually affects the feet, ankles and legs, but it can involve the whole body.1
Causes include heart failure, kidney disease, liver problems, pregnancy, some medicines and long hours on your feet in warm weather.1
Not sure if this is right for you? A visit with Dr. Malik, with an on-site ultrasound, gives you a clear answer.
Treatment depends on the cause. Dr. Malik looks at your leg veins, and works with your primary care doctor if the cause is elsewhere.
Dr. Malik recommends the option that fits your condition after an exam and ultrasound.
| Treatment | Best for | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Compression therapy | Aching, swelling, early vein disease | Graduated stockings worn daily |
| Sclerotherapy | Spider veins and small varicose veins | Injected solution closes the vein |
| Varithena foam | Main veins and visible varicose veins of the great saphenous system | Medicated foam injected under ultrasound |
| Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) | Leaking main veins (saphenous reflux) | Catheter heat seals the vein |
| Laser ablation (EVLT) | Leaking main veins (saphenous reflux) | Laser heat through a catheter seals the vein |
| Ambulatory phlebectomy | Bulging surface varicose veins | Removed through 2 to 3 mm skin nicks |
I have been seeing Dr Rema Malik for about 2 years now. She is amazing and all of her staff is amazing. I wish that all my doctors and there staff could be at least half of what this team is just so incredible and can’t thank her and her staff enough for always making my legs good again.
Dr. Malik was very kind and thorough. She looks out for your best interest and explained the process of the diagnostic and treatment plan. Her staff was very kind and made me feel comfortable with their evaluation.
I love love love Dr. Malik. She has taken very good care of me. She listens and answers all my questions and concerns. She is compassionate and caring.
Dr. Malik and her team are wonderful! Very friendly, easy to understand my questions and the process with my procedure. I never have to wait for the team to get back to me when I have called.
Dr. Rema Malik, MD, FACS, RPVI, is board certified in Vascular Surgery, General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. She sees patients in English and Urdu. No referral is needed.
Treatment is often covered by insurance when it is medically necessary. Our team checks your plan before your visit.
Short answers. For your own situation, talk to Dr. Malik.
Causes include weak leg veins, blood clots, heart, kidney or liver problems, pregnancy, some medicines and long hours on your feet.
Swelling with difficulty breathing, chest pain or coughing up blood needs a 911 call. Swelling in one leg with pain, warmth or redness needs prompt care, because it can be a clot.
Raise your legs while sitting, wear support stockings and eat less salt. A provider may also suggest a water pill.
Yes. Leg swelling, aching and heaviness are common symptoms of varicose veins and weak vein valves.
A physical exam and a duplex ultrasound, which uses sound waves to show blood flow in your leg veins.
No. You can book directly with Dr. Malik.
This page is general education, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Unnumbered statements describe Dr. Malik’s usual practice. In an emergency, call 911. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Same-week appointments, no referral needed, three Houston-area clinics.
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