Oedema is a watery leg most often caused by fluid build-up in the lower limbs.
There can be many causes of leg oedema, but they usually include:
Circulatory problems: venous insufficiency or slowing of blood flow means that blood cannot return efficiently from the legs to the heart. As a result, fluid can build up in the legs.
Fluid retention: fluid retention is a condition in which the body retains too much water. It can be the result of hormonal imbalances, such as pregnancy or menstruation, or kidney or heart problems.
Lymphedema: abnormalities or damage to the lymphatic system can prevent lymph from draining properly from tissues, which can lead to oedema.
Trauma or injury: if the legs are injured in some way, for example due to a fracture or dislocation, oedema can develop at the site of the injury.
Infection: Bacterial or fungal infections can also cause edema in the feet.
Oedema, especially if not properly treated or if it is caused by a more serious health problem, can have a number of negative consequences:
Pain and discomfort: oedema can usually cause discomfort, pain and heaviness in the swollen area.
Limited mobility: swollen feet or ankles can lead to reduced mobility, which can make walking and other daily activities difficult.
Risk of infection: oedema can cause the skin to stretch and crack, making the area more prone to infection.
Sores and ulcers: permanently swollen areas make the skin more prone to sores, ulcers and wound infections.
Venous stasis dermatitis: a skin problem caused by persistent venous insufficiency or oedema, which can cause inflammation, redness, itching and sores.
Worsening of lymphoedema: If the underlying oedema is lymphoedema, it can worsen and become a chronic condition if left untreated.
Tissue damage: If oedema is severe and persists for a long time, excessive pressure can damage tissues and blood vessels, leading to more serious problems in the long term.
More serious health problems: in severe cases, oedema can be a sign of underlying conditions such as heart or kidney disease, blood clots or other disorders.
Treatment of oedema depends on the underlying cause and how severe the symptom is.
Usually the following are recommended:
Treating the underlying condition: if the oedema is caused by a condition such as heart disease, kidney disease or lymphoedema, the most important thing is to treat the underlying condition. This may include drug therapy, dietary changes, lifestyle changes or other treatment modalities.
Compression therapy: compression stockings or bandages can help reduce oedema by applying pressure to the swollen area, helping fluid to flow back and reducing swelling.
Leg elevation: Regular leg elevation can help fluid return and reduce oedema. It is important to elevate the legs above the heart, for example by placing them under pillows when lying down.
Medications: anti-inflammatory or diuretic medications can help reduce the amount of oedema. However, it is important that these are only used under medical supervision as they may have side effects and are not always recommended.
Physiotherapy and exercise: In some cases, physiotherapy or specific exercise therapy is recommended to treat oedema. This may involve exercises to help lymphatic circulation or special massages.
Wound management and infection prevention: if wounds or ulcers develop due to oedema, it is important to treat them properly, protect them from infection and prevent them from developing.
There are some simple steps you can take to prevent oedema:
Active lifestyle: regular exercise can help prevent oedema. Regular exercise can help blood and lymph circulation, which can help prevent fluid build-up in the legs and other areas.
Eating a healthy diet. Avoid excessive salt intake, as salt binds water in the body and can contribute to oedema. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which can help maintain proper water and electrolyte balance.
Wearing compression stockings or bandages: for those who are prone to oedema or have experienced this in the past, compression stockings or bandages may be recommended to help prevent fluid build-up in the legs.
Lifting the legs: When doing sedentary or standing work, it is important to lift the legs from time to time. This can help blood and fluid flow back out of the legs, reducing the risk of edema.
Weight control: being overweight can significantly increase the risk of oedema. Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight can help reduce the chance of developing oedema.
Taking breaks during long journeys: During long flights or car journeys, it is important to stand up, move around and stretch the legs occasionally to help circulation and reduce the risk of oedema.
Drinking fluids: many people think that reducing fluid intake can help prevent oedema, but in fact drinking the right amount of water can help maintain a good water balance in the body, which can help prevent oedema.
