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)

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)

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

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