Edema is a normal condition that occurs due to fluid retention in a particular part of the body. The change in the body tissue due to fluid retention results in swelling that is sometimes painful. It is known by different names like cankles in which swelling occurs on the lower part of the legs. So, what are cankles and how long can this type of swelling remain?
If you are new to this term, then understand it as the swelling that mainly targets the feet. However, edema can occur to any body part including the neck, face, hand, and even legs. But the question is what causes the edema and how it can be treated. In this post, we will discuss the main causes and share the best possible treatment for edema.
Main Causes Of Edema
The major cause of Edema is the fluid trapped in the body tissue that results in temporary swelling. Despite any age, Edema mainly affects adults and women during pregnancy. It usually disappears after a few weeks but in some cases, people struggle with this painful swelling even after months.
Various research also shows that when edema is not treated on time, it can cause serious conditions like skin infection, and thyroid. Some of the main causes of edema are as follows:
- Heart Failure: When the heart gets weakened, the pumping of blood gets affected which results in edema.
- Allergic reaction: If you suffer from allergy there are huge chances of getting swelling on a different part of the body
- Low Albumin: When the body has low albumin it stores the fluid in the body with other proteins.
- Serious illness: People who suffer from serious illnesses like breathing problems, body burns, and skin infections can also swelling.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels that are present in the lower part of the body. As a result, fluid stores and causes edema.
How To Treat Edema Easily Without Causing Infection?
The treatment for the edema depends on identifying the main cause of it. Since it is temporary and goes away by itself, lifestyle changes can also help in providing relief. One of the proven ways to treat edema is to reduce salt intake and use compression socks.
Here are the possible treatment for getting relief from the swelling in the legs:
1- Epsom Salt Bath
One of the best ways to treat the swelling is to take an epsom salt bath in different sessions. Soak your edema-affected feet in the warm water containing the salt. Do it for at least 30-40 minutes and then dry your feet with a soft cloth or towel. You have to repeat this procedure at least 2 times a day.
2- Wear Compression Socks
Another way to treat edema is to wear compression socks that apply pressure on the lower part of the legs. These socks are specifically designed to maintain the flow of blood and provide instant relief in case of painful swelling. You can wear compression socks while working during the day. However, it is advised to remove these socks while going to sleep.
3- Take Medications
You need to understand that edema may also be caused as a result of the side effects of various medications. Doctors often recommend medications for treating edema based on the major cause of fluid storage in the body.
The most common medication used for treating cankles is the water pill, a medically known diuretic. You should only take the medication when the swelling won’t go away even after weeks.
4- Put Pillow Under Your Legs
Whenever you are sitting or lying down, put the pillow under your legs. Make sure you elevate your both legs above the level of your heart. This technique helps treat the swelling on the legs and ankles as it facilitates the blood flow to the tissues that release the stored fluid from the specific body part.
5- Reduce Salt-Intake
As we mentioned above, reducing salt intake is an effective way to reduce swelling in the legs. You should monitor your daily diet and avoid eating foods that contain high salt. Replace high-fat foods with green vegetables, proteins, whole grains, and fiber.
Wrap Up
Edema is a medical condition that occurs as the result of fluid storage in a specific part of the body. It is widely known as cankles in which the lower part of the legs gets swelling which may or may not go away automatically. The major causes behind edema are medical conditions, pregnancy, allergic reactions, and more.
You can treat it by reducing salt-intake in a diet, taking salt baths, and prescribed medications. Since it is a common condition that goes away by itself. If you experience painful swelling in your legs which doesn’t go away even after months, we suggest you request medical support on an urgent basis.
