Edema

Edema is a condition where excess fluid in the body tissue causes swelling. Although this condition is often associated with the legs and feet, edema can affect any part of the body, including your hands, ankles, and arms.

Causes & Risk Factors

When the capillaries leak fluid, it builds up in surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. The causes of edema vary from patient to patient but are commonly caused by:

Varices
Sedentarismo
Long car or airplane trips
Too much salt in your diet
Medications such as high blood pressure medication, estrogen, or steroids
Embarazo

Edema can also be a symptom of another underlying disease, such as:

Heart Failure
Kidney disease
Chronic Venous Hypertension
Linfedema
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Cirrosis
Long-term protein deficiency

Edema can cause difficulty walking, tissue scarring, pain, and decreased blood circulation. Other symptoms of edema include:

Stiffness
Itchy skin
Increased risk of infection
A decrease in the elasticity of veins and muscles
Skin ulcers

Tratamiento

In cases where edema is caused by a sedentary lifestyle or when taking a long trip via car or airplane, the edema will resolve on its own. However, if a medical condition is contributing to your edema you will most likely need medical intervention to treat the swelling or edema. You should see your primary Physician for a treatment plan that works best for your condition.

In the case of Varices, Chronic Venous Hypertension, or Lymphedema being causal of your edema it is best to see a Vein Care Specialist and get an ultrasound to determine if your veins are the culprit.

At Illinois Vein Specialists we have seen hundreds of patients with edema related to Varicose Veins, Chronic Venous Hypertension, or Lymphedema being. We do an Ultrasonido at your very first visit and the results are provided immediately!