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A very common complaint that I see in my Houston podiatry practice is edema, which is swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs. Not all swelling is created equal, however. It's important to identify the cause of the swelling. That will help to determine when it's dangerous, when it's something you can treat at home, and when you need to get it checked.

The number one cause of swelling in your feet, ankles or legs is your overall health. Swelling can be caused by heart problems, such as congestive heart failure or previous heart attacks. Lung issues, such as COPD, smoking, and emphysema. These cause a strain on your heart, which becomes less efficient. It can't pump all the fluid through and settles down into your feet. Kidney issues can cause swelling. Long term diabetes and other metabolic issues. You can swell if you're severely overweight because of the extra work your heart has to do to pump the fluid through the body. If you have any of these issues, it's essential that you get them checked by your podiatrist, your internist, or your cardiologist.

Another cause of edema is pregnancy. Pregnancy messes with your metabolic system and fluid control. You have to cycle more fluid than you're used to, but your heart is the same size. That will lead to swelling. This is very commonly seen in pregnant women. Especially as the pregnancy progresses.

The next cause of edema is a pretty dangerous one. It's called lymphedema. This presents as a harder form of edema. The outer layers of the skin thicken and become scaled. Your legs may resemble tree bark. The lymphatic vessels function to drain the fluid and proteins from surrounding cells and carry them upstream to get them reincorporated back into the bloodstream. If the lymphatic vessels are damaged, it can lead to lymphedema.

You can damage lymphatic vessels by being overweight for an extended period of time, skin infections, such as cellulitis, and physical injuries as well. These injuries to the vessels can create the thicker skin and associated swelling.

This is different from vein issues that cause swelling. Venous stasis, venous insufficiency, and varicose veins are also causes of swelling of the foot, ankle, and leg. In these cases, the veins work to bring the blood up the leg against gravity. The veins have one way valves that prevent the blood from moving backwards. What can happen, though, is the valves can fail, causing the blood to leak back down the leg. The swelling from venous issues is different from lymphedema. Lymphedema causes a hard, brawny type of swelling. Venous issues cause a type of edema. Pitting
edema gets its name for the indentation that is left. When you press on the area of swelling. it's almost like putting your finger into putty.

One great home remedy that can be used for edema caused by venous issues is using a pneumatic pump. These are boots that you put on when your feet are propped up. They progressively compress, from your feet to your ankles and up your leg. These pneumatic boots do a great job managing edema. There are some consumer units, but I find the medical grade ones work a bit better.

Some medication can cause swelling in the lower extremity. This is particularly true for heart and blood pressure medication. It's a known side effect of the medication, to the point where it's formulated with a diuretic
in the medication already to help offset the known swelling.

A blood clot can form in the calf. It's called Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT. If your calf becomes red, hot, and swollen, it may be a DVT. A DVT is a medical emergency. It's important to go to the emergency room and you'll likely be admitted into the hospital. The test that you get is a venous
doppler, which is a noninvasive test to look for a blood clot in the vein. The reason it's important to identify and treat a DVT is that can dislodge travel up the vein and become a pulmonary embolism. That will affect your breathing and is a lifethreatening issue.

There are musculoskeletal issues that also cause edema. Wearing an unsupported shoe when you exercise can cause the muscles and tendons to work too hard. This can cause them to swell and lead to edema.
Mobilizing the muscles is helpful to prevent or treat edema caused by musculoskeletal issues. Stretch your calf, your thighs, and your hamstrings. Antiinflammatory medication may help edema caused by musculoskeletal issues, but not so much swelling caused by other causes. It shouldn't be your first consideration.

#edema #swelling #homeremedies

00:00 Introduction
00:58 Causes of edema
02:09 Lymphedema
02:56 Swelling caused by venous issues
03:46 Using a pneumatic pump to treat edema
04:29 Edema caused by medication
04:47 Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
05:36 Musculoskeletal issues causing edema
07:01 Massaging creams into your feet and legs
08:08 How to connect with Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider