Today’s blog post will be discussing, you guessed it! edema and more specifically I will keep it generalized, but do keep in mind that there are different types of it, and I will discuss them in future blog post so that everyone has an idea as to what they are if you don’t already. Now personally I have never experienced edema but I know people who have and this picture above is showing the puffyness in the feet and ankles. While this condition is something most of you have heard before, I still find that any health condition is an important one to discuss?
For starters, do you know what “edema” is? before scrolling down, guess and then let me know if you were spot on.
What Is Edema?:
Swelling caused by fluid retention (aka excess fluid is trapped in the body’s tissues)
Causes of Edema (generalized)
- Sitting or standing in one place for too long (gravity) because it is natural for water to get pulled down to legs and feet
- weakening of valves in the veins
- certain diseases can bring it about
- medications can cause it as a symptom
- allergic reactions
- pregnancy can cause it to happen
How many of you have had Edema? what was the cause of yours?
Symptoms:
- affected area is swollen
- skin could look stretched out and shiny
- pushing into the area with a figure for about 5 seconds and releasing can leave a dimple
- trouble walking (if you have leg edema)
- coughing or trouble breathing (if you have lung edema)
Treatment options:
Most people probably do not know this, but edema can be temporary or more permanent.
- treating the underlying diseases that are causing the edema
- putting a pillow under your legs when lying down or sitting for prolonged periods
- try to not sit or stand for long periods of time without moving
- wearing support stockings
- sometimes having to limit salt intake is especially important
- possibly seeing a professional and being prescribed a diuretic.
- protect swollen areas from pressure
Most importantly, see a doctor if you experience edema.
Hopefully this tidbit of information will provide a means of sharing what I know with all of you and getting feedback from those who have experienced this or are doctors and want to add more to this information. Please share, follow, like and comment.
Fitness WonderWoman,
Shay-lon xo
Be the best version of you 
Well i learnt something, thank you for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! love being able to help others!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A year ago I noticed my daughter’s feet looked puffy during the day, were fine in the morning. Unfortunately with her being mentally handicapped and non verbal she couldn’t tell me if her feet hurt. Then I realised, the way she sits when playing in the sand outside, she must be stopping the blood circulation and causing pressure, and hence the swelling. So off to the doctor we went, edema was diagnosed. I was given a tablet to give her if I noticed swelling, which helped, but needed to try something else, so bought her a pair of extremely well supporting sports shoes and Shaylon, no tablets are needed now. Great supporting sports shoes have done the trick, her feet do not swell now at all. And she hasn’t needed any tablets. I also make a point of letting her walk everyday on the treadmill apart from her normal everyday around about walking. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awh! that is so awesome, I am happy she no longer needs the tablets. I am glad you shared this experience and information because it could possibly be helpful to others who have been diagnosed with edema. The walking part is very important, I tend to at least move my feet when I am sitting for prolonged periods of time 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person