Oedema is a medical condition. In it, excess fluid accumulates in the body's tissues. This leads to swelling. Oedema can occur anywhere in the body, but is most common in the legs. There are different types of oedema. There are also various causes and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Fortunately, different treatments are also available. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about oedema in legs.
Types of oedema
There are different types of oedema. Each of these has its own causes and characteristics. Below, we explain the different types to you.
Lipoedema
Lipoedema is a chronic condition. In it, fat accumulates unevenly under the skin. It usually occurs in the legs and buttocks. This type of oedema occurs mainly in women. It often becomes visible after puberty or during young adulthood. The affected areas may be painful and sensitive when touched. These areas may also feel cold to the touch. The fat accumulation is symmetrical in most cases. This means that both arms or legs are evenly affected. Also, people with lipoedema often bruise more quickly. This is due to the increased fragility of the capillaries in the fatty tissue. With other forms of oedema, you often see pitting in the skin. This is not the case with lipoedema.
Venous oedema
Venous oedema is a condition in which blood flow from the legs to the heart is reduced. This is also known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This can cause fluid accumulation in the legs. As a result, legs, ankles and feet, for example, may swell. This leads to legs hurting and perhaps feeling heavy. Especially after prolonged standing or sitting. Venous oedema can also lead to varicose veins and skin changes. For example, discolouration, ulcers or eczema.
Lymphedema
Lymphoedema is a condition in which an abnormal amount of lymph fluid accumulates in a body part. This happens when the lymphatic vessels are unable to drain the lymph fluid effectively. Lymphedema can be congenital (primary) or acquired (secondary). For example, due to surgery, radiotherapy, infection or trauma. Lymphedema does not only cause swelling. It also brings pain and discomfort. This can make it more difficult to move. Lymphedema can also lead to skin changes. These include hardening of the skin, blistering or discolouration.
Treat oedema with Heka Dur 2
With the 2-layer compression system Heka Dur 2, you treat oedema quickly and effectively.
Thanks to the handy indicator, you always achieve the right target pressure. This ensures the best possible treatment result!
What can cause oedema in the legs?
Oedema in the legs can have several causes. We tell you more about the most common causes.
Oedema and heart failure
In heart failure, the heart's pumping function is impaired. This means that the heart cannot pump blood around effectively enough. This leads to increased pressure in the blood vessels. This increased pressure causes fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and accumulate in the tissues. This, in turn, results in oedema.
Venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is one of the most common causes of oedema in the legs. It occurs when the valves in the veins do not function properly. As a result, blood is not pumped back to the heart efficiently. This leads to accumulation of fluid in the legs.
Kidney diseases
Kidney diseases can also cause oedema. This is because the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating fluid balance in the body. Are the kidneys not functioning properly? Then they cannot remove excess fluid and salt effectively. This leads to fluid accumulation in the tissues. Also known as oedema.
Liver diseases
The liver produces albumin. This is a protein that helps keep fluid in blood vessels. In liver diseases such as cirrhosis, albumin production decreases. This leads to fluid accumulation in the tissues. Liver diseases can also lead to increased pressure in the portal vein. This carries blood from the intestines to the liver. This can cause fluid accumulation in the abdomen and legs. Finally, liver diseases can disrupt the balance of hormones such as aldosterone and antiduretic hormone. This can contribute to fluid retention and oedema.
Prolonged standing or sitting
Prolonged standing or sitting can also lead to oedema. Especially in the legs and ankles. This is due to the influence of gravity on blood circulation and fluid balance in the body. Do you stay in the same position for a long time? Then blood circulation in the legs may slow down. This is because the muscles are not active to pump blood back to the heart. Also, gravity causes blood and fluid to sink to the lower body. This can lead to accumulation of fluid in the feet or ankles when standing or sitting for long periods of time. Finally, prolonged standing can overload the valves in the veins of the legs. This, in turn, can lead to venous insufficiency.
Oedema and pregnancy
Oedema is common during pregnancy. In fact, it affects about 80% of pregnant women. It usually occurs in the last trimester and can lead to swelling. For example, in the legs, ankles, feet, hands and sometimes the face. Oedema in pregnancy is caused, for example, by pregnancy hormones. These make the walls of blood vessels thinner. This allows fluid to leak into the tissues more easily.
Naturally, the uterus also grows. As it grows, it also exerts more pressure on the pelvic vessels. This complicates the flow of blood from the legs to the heart. Finally, the amount of blood in the body increases during pregnancy. This causes extra pressure on the blood vessels in the legs.
Oedema symptoms
The symptoms of oedema (in the legs) can vary. It depends on the cause and severity of the condition. We list the common symptoms below for you.
- Swelling of the legs or other parts of the body
- A heavy or tight feeling in the affected areas
- Pain or discomfort
- Reduced mobility
- Skin changes, such as shine or discolouration
- Pits in the skin
- Fatigue
- Varicose veins
- Short of breath
- Weight gain
Oedema legs treatment
So oedema in the legs can have very unpleasant consequences. Fortunately, various treatments are also available. These depend on the cause and severity of the condition. Below, we highlight some treatment methods for you.
Treatment method #1: leg bandaging for oedema
Bandaging is a commonly used method to treat oedema in the legs. The purpose of bandaging is to apply pressure to the affected area. This improves blood circulation and reduces fluid accumulation.
Compression therapy for oedema can therefore be a good treatment method. For that, you can use, for instance, a 2-layer compression system. Together, these two layers provide even and consistent pressure on the affected area. The first layer is usually soft and absorbent. This layer is applied directly to the skin. The layer absorbs moisture and protects the skin from irritation. The second layer is an elastic compression layer. This is wrapped over the first layer. This provides the necessary pressure to improve blood circulation and reduce fluid accumulation. A 2-layer compression system has several advantages. For instance, the system offers even pressure distribution. Also, the soft inner layer makes it more comfortable to wear. And finally, it is also a very effective system.
Treat oedema with Heka Dur 2
With the 2-layer compression system Heka Dur 2, you treat oedema quickly and effectively.
Thanks to the handy indicator, you always achieve the right target pressure. This ensures the best possible treatment result!
Treatment method #2: movement
Exercise and doing exercises can help reduce oedema. Especially when the legs are involved. Exercise helps improve blood circulation. This is essential for draining excess fluid from the tissue. Also, contracting muscles act as a kind of pump. This sends blood and lymphatic fluid back to the heart. Recommended activities and exercises are:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Ankle exercises (e.g. twisting the ankles and pulling up the toes. This stimulates blood circulation)
Treatment method #3: elevation
Elevation, also known as elevating the legs, can reduce oedema. But how does this work? Place your quiver above heart height. This helps gravity flow accumulated fluid back to the heart. Furthermore, elevation reduces pressure in the blood vessels of the legs. This can reduce swelling.
Treatment method #4: diet and hydration
Diet and hydration also play an important role in reducing oedema. Limiting your salt intake, for example, can help. Eating too much salt, for instance, causes your body to retain more water. Eating protein-rich foods can also help. This is because it improves fluid retention in the blood vessels. Getting enough potassium keeps sodium levels balanced. This helps remove excess fluid from the body. Finally, it is better to avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates. These can contribute to inflammation and fluid retention.
Treatment method #5: diuretics
Are methods such as diet and exercise not enough to reduce oedema? Then diuretics (water pills) may be a solution. They help your kidneys excrete more salt and water. This reduces the amount of fluid in your body.
Treatment method #6: lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique. It promotes the movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system. It helps to remove accumulated fluid, waste products and proteins from the tissues. They are then returned to the bloodstream.
Oedema leg pain
Oedema in the legs can be accompanied by pain. This is often related to underlying causes. But also with the degree of swelling. Possible causes of pain include:
- Venous insufficiency
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Heart failure
- Lymphedema
- Injuries
What happens if you don't treat oedema?
Failure to treat oedema can have unpleasant consequences. For example:
- Skin problems: such as itching, scarring, pigmentation, scaling or skin roughening;
- Infections: these can occur because the oedema makes the skin more fragile ;
- Reduced mobility: oedema can eventually lead to muscle weakness and joint problems;
- Chronic pain: chronic pain and discomfort can significantly worsen quality of life;
- Worsening of underlying conditions: oedema can be a symptom of more serious underlying conditions. For example, heart failure, kidney disease or liver disease;
- Lung problems: with severe oedema, fluid can accumulate in the lungs. This can lead to shortness of breath and breathing problems.
As you have read, failure to treat oedema can have unpleasant consequences. It is therefore important to recognise and treat oedema in time. Then complications can be prevented. Are you experiencing symptoms that may indicate oedema? If so, do not hesitate to contact your GP.
Disclaimer
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