Welcome dear reader, today we are going to talk about edema, a symptom attributable to many more or less serious health conditions, on which we will shed some light. Let's clear up a doubt immediately: how can I check if I am affected by edema? Try pressing a finger into the area that seems swollen and if after releasing a dimple appears, it means that it is an edema.
In the next paragraphs we are going to provide some instructions on how to cope with an abnormal swelling and how to become aware of the cause that provoked the edema. Before getting to the heart of the matter, we would like to point out that in the event of sudden changes in your physical condition, the first thing to do is contact your physician. The information you find online can never be customized.
Here are the doubts that we will try to dispel:
- What is an edema?
- How does an edema form?
- What are the causes and pathologies?
- Localized edema and varicose veins
- Treatments and remedies for edema
What is an edema?
Edema is a swelling that occurs when large volumes of lymphatic fluid are settled in the tissues. These liquids are mainly composed of water, proteins and other cells. If the swelling is extensive or if it persists for a long time, it may be a sign of something beyond a water retention condition.
Fluid retention occurs in most cases in a localized form in the lower limbs - legs, feet and ankles - but it can also appear in a widespread form throughout the body. Swelling also arises in the upper body, such as in the hands or face, or is concentrated in only one part of these.
How does an edema form?
Edema results from fluid stagnation or increased movement thereof. The presence of interstitial fluid, i.e. between two tissues, can hinder lymphatic circulation and even raise the risk of infections. Pregnant women and elderly people are more susceptible to such disorder, but it can also occur in people who are simply predisposed, bedridden as well as those who are obese or menopausal.
The swelling is accompanied by pain, sensations of heaviness, tension and motor difficulties.
Edema appears suddenly: for example, feet or ankles that swell from one day to the next, but most of the time it occurs in a deceptive way, so much so that it can be mistaken for a simple weight gain. Other signs that may suggest the presence of edema are swollen eyes in the morning and shoes that feel tight in the evening.
What are the causes and pathologies?
We mentioned in the introduction that edema is not a disease but is a symptom of the presence of something wrong. The first thing to do when a strange swelling appears is to make sure it is edema through acupressure; once this has been done, before taking any action, it is essential to understand which disorder it is related to.
It can be water retention as well as a more serious problem.
Let's try to distinguish into categories:
Edema spreading throughout the body is often a result of:
- Heart failure
- Liver failure
- Kidney diseases
Conversely the more common localized edema can be the manifestation of:
- Water retention
- Venous insufficiency (varicose veins)
- Lymphatic channels dysfunction
- Infections or lesions
- Allergies
Localized edema and varicose veins
Venous insufficiency is certainly one of the most widespread causes of localized edema and usually occurs in combination with the more noticeable varicose veins. The appearance of varices or varicose veins on the legs is too often considered a mere unsightly manifestation, however it is a pathology that should not be overlooked.
It is crucial to give due consideration to the appearance of varicose veins on the body because they are the sign of a dysfunction that can lead to disabling consequences. Venous insufficiency and the consequent accumulation of fluids lead to a sense of heaviness in the lower limbs and to a more serious dilation of the veins.
Treatments and remedies for edema
Mild cases of edema regress spontaneously or with some precautions. These good habits are the same as those recommended to avoid hypertension or water retention and namely:
- Balanced nutrition
- Abundant daily fluid intake
- Practicing physical exercise
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking
- Sleeping with your legs slightly raised
- Wearing graduated compression hosiery
Graduated compression helps prevent disorders related to blood and lymphatic circulation, moreover it is a great support for those suffering from various pathologies. In case of localized edema, due to water retention, graduated compression boosts venous return and favours the elimination of swelling.
Safeguarding our health and well-being should not be an effort: a few small habits to integrate into our routine will be enough to ensure more unconcern. Our products are designed to accompany you throughout the day, on all occasions, always respecting your health as well as keeping an eye on style.
