What You Need to Know About Leg Edema
Helping patients resolve painful, debilitating swelling with state-of-the-art medical interventions.
Edema affects millions of people each year.
In some cases, the cause is simply a lifestyle side-effect, such as sitting or standing for long periods, but in others, it is a more significant underlying condition.
Venous insufficiency is a common, potentially life-threatening disorder that causes painful, life-altering complications when allowed to progress. You don't have to suffer through the agony of edema or other distressing symptoms. There is help.
Georgia Endovascular takes pride in our team of compassionate specialists. Their expertise, patient-centered approach, and commitment to exceptional care set them apart. By prioritizing the overall well-being of their patients, our specialists strive to produce the best possible outcomes and provide a positive experience for every patient.
We'll explore leg edema in greater depth, discussing symptoms, contributing factors, and effective treatment plans.
What Causes Leg Edema?
Leg edema is a medical condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the legs' tissues.
An injury, infection or an underlying medical condition might trigger the disease. In some cases, it can also be caused by a reaction to certain medications or simply by standing or sitting in one position for too long.
Edema testing is used to diagnose the underlying cause of the swelling.
Edema can cause significant discomfort. Moreover, the condition can lead to mobility challenges due to sometimes dramatic leg and foot swelling. It can also cause pain when walking, fatigue, and a general feeling of heaviness in the legs.
Edema can also affect other body parts but is most common in the lower extremities.
What Are the Symptoms of Leg Edema?
Some leg edema symptoms include swelling, pain, and discomfort in the affected area. The legs may also appear red or discolored, and the skin may feel tight. In some cases, swelling may also be accompanied by a feeling of warmth.
Additional symptoms might include the following
- Infections
- Thickened skin
- Leg cramps
- Greater susceptibility to skin injuries and wounds
- Itchiness
Are Edema and Lymphedema Different?
Yes, they are. Edema is a condition that causes fluids to build up in the body's tissues, leading to swelling. Lymphedema is a condition that is caused by the buildup of proteins and other substances in the lymphatic system, resulting in swelling and itchiness.
Though lymphedema is a lymphatic system disorder, patients experiencing untreated, severe chronic venous insufficiency can develop phlebolymphedema. This issue is a potentially serious complication.
Phlebolymphedema is a combination of both vascular and lymphatic disorders. The condition occurs when blockages in the veins become so severe that lymphatic fluid can no longer drain properly.
What Are the Types of Lymphedema?
There are two main types of lymphedema, they include
- Primary
Primary lymphedema is rare, often inherited, and can occur at any age. It is caused by an abnormality or malformation in the lymphatic vessels. - Secondary
This is the most common type of lymphedema and often caused by damage to the lymphatic system (e.g., from surgery, radiation therapy, infection, trauma or other medical conditions). Secondary lymphedema often occurs later in life.
If you notice significant swelling in the feet or legs, seek urgent medical attention.
Who Is at Risk for Swollen Legs?
Swollen legs aren't necessarily a significant medical event—simply standing or sitting for extended periods can cause fluid to accumulate in your feet and legs
However, an array of underlying medical issues could contribute to chronic medical edema. These include the following conditions
- Compromised immune system
- Heart disease or failure
- High blood pressure
- Lung, liver, kidney, or thyroid problems
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Prescription medication (particularly for hypertension or pain relief)
- Varicose veins
- Venous insufficiency
Knowing why your legs are swollen is crucial to determining the best action.
How Do You Test for Edema?
Edema testing is the first step to discovering the most appropriate treatment plan.
Edema can be tested in several ways, including visual inspection, measuring the circumference of a limb, or pressing the skin to see how long it takes for the indentation to disappear.
Visual inspection can provide information about the size and shape of the swelling while measuring the circumference of a limb can give information about the amount of swelling.
Pressing the skin can inform how fluid might collect in the tissue.
Edema testing is usually graded on a scale from 0 to 4, with a 0 grade for no edema present and a four status for the most severe edema. Grade 1 edema is mild, grade 2 is moderate, grade 3 is tough, and grade 4 is dangerously powerful, with significant fluid accumulation.
Additional tests, such as X-rays and MRIs, can be used to identify underlying causes of swelling, such as physical traumas or tumors.
Based on the results of these tests, your physician can formulate the best course of treatment.
How Is Edema Treated?
Edema treatment depends on the extent of the condition and its cause. Treatments for mild edema include lifestyle changes, compression stockings, leg elevation, and medications. In cases caused by vein disorders, minimally invasive interventions could yield the best results.
These treatments include the following
Georgia Endovascular Offers Dedicated Edema Treatment
Georgia Endovascular stands out in edema treatment and management for its commitment to state-of-the-art treatment protocols and cutting-edge equipment.
We understand that each patient's condition is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient. Our personalized care delivers excellent outcomes for diverse patients experiencing the symptoms of chronic edema caused by venous insufficiency.
Please contact our representatives at 678-915-2000 today to schedule an evaluation.
