Edema and swelling in the legs

What is edema in the legs?

Edema in the legs is a common condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the subcutaneous tissues, causing noticeable swelling. Many people deal with this phenomenon and it can be caused by a wide variety of reasons, from simple medical conditions to more complex health problems.

Edema is a term that refers to swelling due to the accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues. The fluid can accumulate in any organ or tissue in the body, but it is especially common in the legs, arms, and abdomen.

The causes and reasons for edema in the legs

Edema in the legs is caused by pressure differences between the blood vessels and tissues in the legs or by blockages in the blood vessels. These pressure differences and blockages can cause fluid to leak from the blood vessels or the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, leading to the development of edema. When the fluid accumulates, it can cause swelling in the tissues, and the swelling will often appear in different areas of the legs, such as ankle edema or foot edema.

Edema in the legs can result from fluid accumulation in the tissues, a problem with the lymphatic system, inflammation of the tissues, or injured joints. This phenomenon does not have to be symmetrical, so it can appear as “edema in one leg” only, in both legs equally, or in both legs with one leg swollen more than the other.

Gravity also affects the development of edema. Even if the edema is due to a general problem rather than a specific problem in the legs, it tends to appear first in the legs, especially in areas such as the ankles, where the pressure is greater. Thus, edema is often observed in the ankles, which is a direct result of the effect of gravity on the accumulation of fluids. In patients who lie down for a long time, edema may also appear in the lower back area rather than in the legs.

Here are some possible causes of leg swelling caused by fluid buildup:

Acute kidney failure or chronic kidney disease : Kidney problems can cause fluid to build up in the tissues.
Heart muscle problem (cardiomyopathy) : Impaired heart function, which leads to fluid accumulation in the body.
Heart failure : The heart is unable to pump blood effectively, causing fluid to accumulate in the legs.
Nephrotic Syndrome : Damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to fluid accumulation.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blockage in a blood vessel deep in the legs, causing fluid buildup and swelling, especially as “ankle edema.”
Lymphatic system blockage (lymphedema) : A blockage in lymphatic drainage that leads to swelling.
Cirrhosis : Scarring of the liver that leads to pressure in the blood vessels and fluid accumulation.
Hormone therapy or pregnancy : These conditions can cause fluid to accumulate in the legs.
Prescription medications : Medications used for diabetes and high blood pressure can cause problems with blood returning to the heart and swelling in the legs.

The most common cause of symmetrical edema in the legs, without involvement of other organs, is venous insufficiency. In these cases, the veins in the legs have difficulty returning blood to the heart effectively, leading to fluid accumulation and swelling. One of the possible complications of diabetic foot is the appearance of neuropathic edema, which is manifested by the appearance of ganglion edema and peripheral nerve damage.

Ankle edema: swelling and effects

One of the most common areas where edema develops is the ankles. Ankle edema can be caused by conditions such as prolonged standing, sports injuries, or medical conditions such as blood vessel or heart problems. Proper treatment, which sometimes includes resting and elevating the legs, can help reduce swelling.

How can ankle edema be treated?

To treat ankle edema, it is recommended to start by elevating the legs for several hours a day, using compression bandages, and sometimes performing moderate exercise to help improve blood circulation. In addition, a doctor should be consulted in more severe cases.

Edema in the legs: main causes

The causes of leg edema are varied and include medical conditions such as heart problems, kidney problems, vascular problems, lack of physical activity, high blood pressure, and more. In many cases, leg edema may worsen after prolonged sitting or standing.

When should you see a doctor?

If the swelling lasts for a long time or is accompanied by severe pain, numbness, or difficulty moving, you should see a doctor. Sometimes, swelling may be a sign of a more serious problem that requires immediate medical attention.

Suffering from edema in the legs? For a free telephone consultation with our experts, contact:

What is the difference between leg edema and leg swelling?

It is necessary to distinguish between swelling and edema in the legs. Most causes of swelling in the legs, such as injury and prolonged exertion, can be easily identified. To determine if it is edema in the legs, press on the leg with your finger and if a dimple remains, we will know that it is edema – this case is called “nodular edema.” Non-nodular edema is characterized by stiff skin in the area of the edema.

Causes of swollen legs

Swelling in the legs is a common phenomenon that may be caused by a variety of factors, with one of the main reasons being the accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues . This process occurs when fluids, which should be eliminated through the blood and lymphatic systems, become trapped in various tissues in the body. When this fluid buildup occurs in the legs, it can lead to noticeable swelling and sometimes even pain and a feeling of heaviness. .

Fluid accumulation in the legs There are several main causes of edema. Factors such as heart failure, kidney or liver problems, and lymphatic system dysfunction can cause fluid to not flow properly through the body and start to accumulate in the legs. In addition, medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or chronic venous insufficiency can also lead to fluid accumulation in these areas .

In addition to medical factors, certain lifestyle factors, such as prolonged standing or lack of exercise, can also contribute to fluid retention in the legs. In these cases, the lack of movement or prolonged pressure on the blood vessels can cause fluid to accumulate in the tissues of the legs and cause swelling. .

Ultimately, it is important to diagnose the exact cause of leg swelling in order to tailor the right treatment. Fluid buildup in the legs may be a sign of a serious medical problem, so seek medical advice if swelling persists or worsens. .

Ways to treat edema in the legs

Because there are many different causes of edema in the legs and there is a need to differentiate between mild and severe edema, there are also numerous types of treatment.

Here are some examples:

Elastic socks

One of the main methods is the use of elastic stockings, which are designed to help improve blood flow and reduce pressure on the blood vessels in the legs. The stockings apply moderate pressure that helps prevent fluid buildup in the tissues of the legs.

Avoiding prolonged standing

It is recommended to avoid prolonged standing and incorporate moderate physical activity on a daily basis. Maintaining constant mobility and incorporating light walks throughout the day can improve your condition.

In the event of worsening or the appearance of new symptoms, it is important to consult a specialist for a thorough diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Leg raises

Elevating your legs for a period of time during the day can help relieve swelling and help return fluids to the bloodstream. This is a simple but effective treatment that can be done at home, and is especially important for people who suffer from edema due to prolonged standing or lack of exercise.

Medications to increase urination

In more severe cases, when edema is caused by chronic health problems such as heart failure or kidney failure, specialized medical treatment is needed. This treatment may include diuretics, which help remove excess fluid from the body through urine. It should be remembered that this type of drug treatment requires strict medical supervision, especially when chronic diseases are involved.

Vein treatment

Vein treatment is an important and significant part of dealing with edema in the legs, especially when it comes to venous insufficiency. Veins that do not function properly can lead to fluid accumulation in the legs and worsen the symptoms of edema. Venous insufficiency is manifested by the difficulty of the veins in returning blood towards the heart, a condition that causes blood to accumulate in the veins and the formation of edema.

One of the most effective treatments for vein problems is the use of elastic stockings (as mentioned above) that help with the pressure applied to the leg and encourage the proper flow of blood upward.

Another treatment is to inject a foaming substance into the problematic veins, which causes them to close, which reduces pressure in the veins and improves blood circulation in the legs.

In more severe cases, when conservative treatments are not enough, surgical procedures such as laser surgery or radiofrequency ablation may be considered. These treatments are designed to close or remove the affected veins and improve blood flow in the legs.

Stopping use of certain medications

*** In consultation with a doctor only!

Since edema is not a disease but a symptom, its disappearance, recurrence, and duration of treatment depend on the condition of the disease that caused it to appear.

In addition to physical treatments, it is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and moderate physical activity, which can improve the condition of the veins and prevent the appearance of edema in the future.

Edema in the legs Grandma's remedies

Alongside traditional medical treatments, there are many home remedies that can relieve leg edema in some cases, especially when the edema is mild or temporary. Here are some of the common methods:

Cold compresses : Placing cold compresses on the swollen area can relieve pain and reduce swelling by reducing blood flow to the area.
Parsley tea : Drinking a parsley infusion is considered a popular home remedy, as parsley is known to help encourage the urinary process and reduce fluid retention.
Soaking your feet in Epsom salt water : Epsom salt water contains magnesium, which can relax tissues and encourage the release of fluids that have accumulated in swollen areas. Emphasis should be placed on using warm, not boiling, water to prevent skin damage.
Potassium-rich diet : Eating foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, avocados, and potatoes, may help balance fluid levels in the body, especially if the edema is related to electrolyte imbalance.
Elevating your legs : Resting with your legs elevated above the level of your heart can help fluids return to your bloodstream, reducing swelling naturally.

However, it is important to clarify that traditional medicine has not been scientifically proven to be beneficial in treating edema, unlike modern medical treatments. If swelling or edema develops in the legs, it is recommended to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Our experts will be happy to provide you with a professional opinion – you can leave your details in the registration form on the website and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Edema in the legs Diabetes

Diabetics are at increased risk of developing edema in the legs, mainly due to the negative effects of the disease on blood circulation and the peripheral nervous system. In many cases, edema in diabetics can be an early symptom of more serious problems, such as diabetic foot or serious infections. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are of utmost importance.

Why do diabetics tend to develop edema ?

Damage to the vascular system : Diabetes damages the small blood vessels, which makes it difficult for normal blood flow and leads to fluid accumulation in the legs.
Peripheral nervous system damage : When nerves in the legs are damaged, it may cause numbness or increased swelling in the affected area.
Kidney failure : Diabetics are at increased risk of kidney failure, one of the main causes of fluid accumulation in the body.

Possible treatments for diabetics with edema in the legs

Close medical monitoring : It is recommended that a diabetic patient suffering from edema receive close monitoring by a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or vascular specialist.
Elastic stockings : Using elastic stockings can help prevent fluid buildup and reduce swelling.
Appropriate diet : Maintaining a diet low in salt and rich in potassium can help balance fluid levels in the body.
Lymphatic treatments : In more severe cases, treatment using lymphatic massage or adapted medical equipment may be required.
Rest and movement : Avoid prolonged standing and encourage moderate physical activity, which contributes to improving blood circulation.

Diabetics with edema must remain vigilant and seek medical advice if the condition worsens. Leaving the condition untreated can lead to serious complications such as infections, loss of sensation, and sometimes even the need for amputation. .

Lymphatic massage as a complementary treatment for edema and swelling in the legs

Lymphatic massage is a gentle and targeted treatment designed to improve lymph flow in the body, and is an effective tool for reducing edema and swelling in the legs. In situations where fluid accumulation causes a feeling of heaviness, pain, or restriction of movement, this massage helps release trapped fluids and restore the body’s natural balance.

Using gentle techniques, the therapist encourages the fluids to move towards the lymph nodes, where they are filtered and eliminated from the body naturally. The treatment is personalized to the patient’s needs, whether it is chronic edema, swelling due to prolonged standing, or side effects of other medical conditions.

Beyond the physical relief, lymphatic massage improves the overall sense of calm, reduces stress and helps improve blood circulation in the body. The result is an improvement in quality of life along with significant relief of symptoms. In the modern era, where edema and swelling in the legs are a common phenomenon, lymphatic massage offers a natural and healthy solution for anyone interested in upgrading their physical well-being.

What to do?

See a doctor immediately. Since leg swelling can have a variety of causes, it is sometimes necessary to perform various tests to reach an accurate diagnosis.

First, the doctor will review the symptoms, check the patient’s medical history and the medications he is taking or has taken in the past. The doctor will check whether the edema is symmetrical, asymmetrical or appears in only one leg. If the edema appears in only one leg, the doctor will check for a condition of local inflammation or thrombosis in the veins. If the edema appears in both legs, the possibilities of venous insufficiency, heart failure, allergy, liver disease, etc. will be examined. Following the diagnosis, the doctor will perform comprehensive tests to locate the source of the problem causing the edema. After finding the cause and obtaining a visual image of the blood circulation in the legs, the correct treatment can be adjusted.

It is important to know that edema is not a life-threatening condition, but it does interfere with quality of life. Edema increases the risk of infections and the cause of edema can be life-threatening. .

If the edema appeared as a result of a diabetic foot, a specialist should be consulted immediately.

Suffering from edema in the legs? For a free telephone consultation, contact:

It is important to emphasize that the content presented in this article provides basic information and understanding about diabetes and pressure ulcers, and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. In any case of doubt or need, it is strongly recommended to consult a specialist physician in order to receive a medical diagnosis appropriate to your health condition.