Comprehensive Evaluation for Leg Swelling, Lymphedema & Venous Insufficiency
Swelling is one of the most common symptoms of venous insufficiency. Many people with lymphedema also have a component of venous insufficiency—and vice versa. Our team evaluates your veins and lymphatics together, so we can find the root cause of swelling and tailor a plan that fits your history and symptoms.
• Venous problems can overload the lymphatic system, slowing lymph transport and increasing swelling. • We start with a venous ultrasound to see how the leg veins are functioning. • Care plans may include vein treatment and/or conservative management such as compression, pumps, physiotherapy, and Electro Lymphatic Therapy.
At La Jolla Vein & Vascular, we evaluate and treat swelling from venous insufficiency and lymphedema using advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans for patients in La Jolla, San Diego, and surrounding areas.
Our evaluation begins with a detailed venous ultrasound of the legs. This noninvasive test helps us determine whether your veins are functioning properly or if there is venous insufficiency (reflux) or obstruction. When the veins do not move blood back to the heart effectively, pressure builds and can overload the lymphatic system, worsening leg swelling.
Medical History & Symptoms
We consider your full medical history and current symptoms—such as heaviness, aching, skin changes, or prior surgeries—to guide next steps.
Ultrasound Findings
Results from the venous ultrasound identify areas of reflux or blockage and help us determine whether vein treatment may help reduce swelling.
Personalized Plan
We combine findings + history + symptoms to recommend vein treatments and/or conservative care that align with your goals.
Treatment Options for Swelling & Lymphedema
Vein Treatment
When appropriate based on ultrasound, we may offer minimally invasive vein treatments to address venous insufficiency contributing to swelling. We will discuss benefits, risks, and alternatives so you can make an informed decision.
Conservative Management
• Compression stockings—prescribed and fitted for your needs • Lymphatic pumps—at‑home devices to support lymph movement • Physiotherapy referral for manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) • Electro Lymphatic Therapy (see below)
Every plan is individualized. Some patients do best combining vein treatment with conservative therapies; others do well with conservative care alone.
Electro Lymphatic Therapy (ELT)
What is Electro Lymphatic Therapy? Electro Lymphatic Therapy uses Lymph Purify, a therapeutic vibrational instrument that combines energetic modalities. Based on principles of physics, ELT applications are designed as a safe and effective tool to help detoxify a sluggish lymphatic system. Lymph Purify produces an energy field intended to clear lymphatic stagnation and support healthy lymphatic fluid flow.
• Session length: approximately one hour • When helpful: often useful in conjunction with or after vein treatment, and before or after plastic surgery
Note: Individual results vary. ELT is complementary to, not a replacement for, medical diagnosis or treatment. We will review whether it is appropriate for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is swelling always from lymphedema?
No. Swelling can have multiple causes. Many people with lymphedema also have venous insufficiency, which can worsen swelling. That is why we evaluate both systems.
What happens during the ultrasound?
An experienced sonographer examines your leg veins with a handheld probe. Gel is applied to the skin, and images are captured while you rest and in positions that assess for reflux.
Will I need vein treatment?
It depends on your ultrasound results, history, and goals. If venous insufficiency is present, minimally invasive options may help. If not, we focus on conservative care.
Do you prescribe compression stockings?
Yes. We prescribe and guide you to the right compression level and fit, and we can coordinate lymphatic pumps and physiotherapy as needed.
Book a Consultation in La Jolla or San Diego
Ready to get answers about your swelling? Start with a venous ultrasound and individualized plan.
Call our office to schedule your evaluation or request an appointment online. Our clinic is conveniently located in La Jolla with easy access from all of San Diego County.
All the staff are awesome the doctor was great and nurse practitioner the nurses they were all great I really enjoyed my visit there they made me feel very comfortable they attended and explained everything to me anything I needed or needed to be done they were there I'd recommend this place to everyone great place and the people are wonderful thank you can't wait to see you in 6 weeks. D.R.
The entire team is professional, attentive and kind. They all make you feel as comfortable as possible when going thru an unfamiliar procedure. Their knowledge is comforting. Dr. Steinberg is outstanding! She an expert in her craft and is thorough when designing a specific plan for each patientpays close to details of a patients plan. She is detailed oriented and will make adjustments to make sure she executes the most successfull solution. I love her positivity, energy and confidence. Entire team = PRICELESS R.M.
This place is awesome. They really go into detail with you about your problem. I have problems with the veins in my legs & they seem to really take interest in helping to find a way to sovle my problem. This is my first time here but they are very professional & really seem to care about me personally. They tend to all your needs here. Very kind people & they treat you with the utmost regard. J.S.
Dr. Amanda Steinberger is a Harvard-trained, board-certified vascular interventional radiologist. She specializes in a broad range of superficial vein disease including varicose veins, spider veins, venous leg ulcers, lymphedema and cosmetic laser vein treatments. Dr. Steinberger sees patients in our La Jolla Office.
Free Insurance Verification. Schedule Today!
Can I get insurance coverage for my vein treatment?
Depending on your insurance plan, you may or may not have out of pocket expenses. We work with your insurance providers to maximize your insurance coverage and provide a complete overview of your treatment cost. We believe in cost transparency and will provide a cost estimate of any anticipated out of pocket expenses. Cost is important. We can work with your insurance to find out this information today!
To help make sure your payments are secured with the privacy you expect we have added a password protected payment page. Start by requesting a password be sent to your emall.
Can I get insurance coverage for my vein treatment?
With Molina insurance plans, most patients should not have out of pocket expenses. We work with Molina to maximize your insurance coverage and provide a complete overview of your treatment cost. We believe in cost transparency and will provide a cost estimate of any anticipated out of pocket expenses. Cost is important. We can work with your insurance to find out this information today!
