Various parts of the body may swell up, from injury or inflammation, including our veins, arms and legs. This swelling is known as edema and is due to a build-up of fluid in the tissue. Unfortunately, edema can go undetected for some time before there is an onset of pain. However, the progression of edema can effectively be slowed down through the help of compression and therapy at early stages! With the help of our dossier, you can be equipped with the knowledge on how to recognise edema earlier, and how to manage it in different parts of the body.
Looking for information on a specific injury? We’ve got you covered. The Bauerfeind Injury Hub provides expert advice on injury prevention, symptom management and selecting the right product to make your day to day life easier.
The lymphatic system in our bodies is an intricate collection of muscles and tissue. The primary functions of the system are to ensure efficient waste management as well as facilitate the transfer of nutrients and fluids through the body. It is extremely important for the regular functioning of our immune system. Blockage in these paths can lead to lymphatic congestion...
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Heavy, swollen legs, often associated with pain when touched and limited mobility, can have many different causes. In most cases, they're caused by one of two primary issues: a lymph drainage disorder or a fat distribution disorder. Over the years, however, the latter also affects the lymphatic system, and a combined disease develops: lipolymphedema. The legs take on conspicuous dimensions...
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The circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood throughout our body and facilitates the transfer of oxygen from head to toe. Our heart pumps blood through our body, using a push-pull effect when it beats to allow blood to travel effectively back and forth. Phlebolymphedema is a disease in which excess fluid accumulates in the tissue around the blood vessels...
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The lymphatic system runs through the human body like the blood circulatory system. The lymph helps transport nutrients and clean waste from our body. In small cases of breast cancer surgery (Mastectomy), the lymphatic system may be damaged. Swelling of the arms and hands occurs as a direct result of lymphatic injury.
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A healthy diet and ample exercise are effective tools in maintaining well-being in most people. A regular routine helps regulate the fat levels in our body. Some women, however, might suffer from a fat distribution disorder that may result in uneven deposits in the lower half of their body.
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The lymphatic system in our bodies is an intricate collection of muscles and tissue. The primary functions of the system are to ensure efficient waste management as well as facilitate the transfer of nutrients and fluids through the body. It is extremely important for the regular functioning of our immune system. Blockage in these paths can lead to lymphatic congestion...
Read more
A lipode in the thighs is also known as the saddleback syndrome.
Oedema is a build up of retained water or other fluid within the body, most commonly in the soft tissue around your joints.
Oedema is caused by a range of factors, including long periods of immobility, genetic predisposition, traumatic injury, lymphatic or venous issues, and in more serious cases it can be caused by issues affecting the heart, kidney and liver.
In mild cases, it normally goes away on it's own. However, in more serious or chronic cases it can be treated with diuretics, compression garments and specialised massage.
In cases where oedema is not going away by itself, it can often be symptomatic of issues affecting your heart and veins. This is normally due to venous insufficiency or congestive heart failure, and if it isn't going away, it's important to seek medical advice.
There's no difference between the two apart from spelling. Oedema is the original spelling while edema is the Americanised spelling, but both mean the same thing.
While you can't completely stop it occurring, there are many things you can do to minimise fluid retention, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, changing your diet to cut out fat and sugars and focus on more plant based intake and wearing compression stockings while seated or standing for long periods of time.
Using medical grade compression garments on your ankles and lower legs helps to minimise swelling, and is best done in combination with exercise and stretching to get the muscles pumping and filtering the fluid out of the soft tissue.
Changing your diet can have a huge effect on oedema. Start by cutting down on foods high in saturated fat and salt, and start on a plant based diet with a focus on flavinoids (these are found in foods including berries, asparagus, tomatoes, lettuce and grapes).
While oedema is most common in the ankles and lower legs, it can affect the arms, hands, and in very serious cases the torso. If you find your fingers, hands or arms are swelling, or it's chronic across your legs, it's important to speak to your doctor about lymphemeda.
As your ankles are the furthest point from the centre of your body, it's harder for the muscles and veins to carry the fluid out of the soft tissue, while gravity is working against them. A lack of exercise or active movement as well as increased salt or fat in your diet can also contribute to this swelling in the ankles.
