Edema is caused when fluid gets accumulated in different parts of your body. It generally occurs in the lower part of the body namely your legs, ankles and feet and is known as Peripheral Edema. A person suffers from Edema when the fluid is retained in the spaces between tissues under the skin.
The most common cause of Edema could be obesity, lack of physical activity or it may occur during long flights and nonstop travelling in a car without putting your feet up. Edema can happen due to standing or sitting in the same position for extended period. Some disease like diabetes and high blood pressure can also cause fluid retention in the body. Pregnant women are also afflicted with Edema in the legs due to pressure of extra weight of the foetus.
Edema is not a health problem in itself but is an indication of certain ailment in the body. If the swelling in your legs does not disappear with simple remedies like putting your feet up or taking breaks in between prolonged sitting and standing, then you should consult your physician for proper diagnosis of the underlying cause of Edema in the legs. Prolonged Edema condition can be indicative of heart ailment or venous disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Edema in the Legs
Signs of Edema on the Skin
Edema can be recognised when the skin looks stretched and shiny. If you press the affected area a dent would appear on the surface of the skin and may stay there for a few seconds. You may feel uneasy in tight clothing like slacks or tight fitting jeans. This condition is known as Non Pitting Edema.
Clothes Feel Tighter
Another common symptom of edema in the legs is that your clothes feel tighter than usual. You will notice indentation left by your socks or underwear when you remove them. When you make an impression with your thumb on the ankle it remains there for more than 5 seconds. It is known as Pitting Edema.
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Pain in Limbs
You may feel stiffness in the ankles and pain in your feet. It happens especially when you stand after sitting for a long period of time. This condition worsens at the end of the day. There is a feeling of discomfort and the affected person is unable to move around comfortably.
Urge to Scratch the Affected Areas
The person feels an urge to scratch her/his legs when suffering from Edema in the legs. The skin looks scaly, puffy and dry. It is tender to touch.
Signs of Edema in Pregnant Women
In pregnant women Edema in the legs occurs mostly in their last trimester when their body tends to retain more fluid. They suffer from swelling and pain in their ankles and feet. They should take adequate rest in between work. If the condition still persists they should contact their doctor immediately.
Feeling of Heaviness in the Legs
Edema in the legs is recognised by a feeling of abnormal heaviness in the legs. The person has to make an effort to move around the house. She/he feels difficulty in climbing the stairs. This can also create an impression of sudden weight gain.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.