There are many reasons why someone’s feet can swell and cause discomfort. Known medically as edema in US English or oedema in British English, it can be due to specific medical conditions, lifestyle factors, injuries, pregnancy, or some medications.
But what are the mechanics of edema, why does it happen, and what can we do to prevent or manage it? Well, in this blog post, we’re going to explore just that.
What is Edema?
Edema is a swelling caused by the buildup of fluid in your tissues, usually in the ankles, feet and lower legs. The common signs and symptoms of edema include:
- Swelling or puffiness under the skin. There may also be ‘pitting’, where a dimple pushed into the swollen area remains in place for a few seconds after being released.
- Stretched and/or shiny skin.
- Changes in skin colour, usually a darkening of the whole area or in blotches.
- Aching or stiff joints and/or muscles.
In rare or severe cases, those suffering from edema may also experience:
- Itching, especially in the long term.
- Rapid weight gain or loss.
- Less frequent urination.
- Difficulty with movement.
It’s essential to recognise that some symptoms of edema can indicate more serious underlying conditions that require medical attention. If you experience any of the following, seek medical help immediately:
- Sudden or severe swelling
- Extreme pain
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Redness and warmth of the area
What Causes Edema?
Many conditions and factors can cause edema, from simple lifestyle factors to specific medical conditions. These include:
-
Long periods of sitting, standing or inactivity: Prolonged periods of sitting or standing without movement allow gravity to pull fluid downwards and collect in the lower limbs. Even people who move around a lot but spend all day on their feet, such as medical professionals, teachers or those with manual jobs, can also experience this.
-
Being overweight: Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on the cardiovascular system, and specifically the veins in your legs, which return blood to the heart. In a related note, individuals with excess weight may also be less likely to engage in physical activity, further exacerbating the swelling.
-
Poor diet: Diets high in saturated fats, sugars and salts can also contribute to edema.
-
Pregnancy: Pregnancy can put significant stress on the body, with excess weight, hormonal changes, and discomfort being common. Also, as the uterus expands, it can put excess pressure on the inferior vena cava - the large vein that returns blood to the heart.
-
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Veins in the legs have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards. However, CVI can damage or weaken these valves, which allows blood and fluid to pool in the feet and lower legs.
-
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots can form in the leg for several reasons, including inactivity or medical conditions, and this can block blood from returning to the heart. In turn, this can cause rapid and painful swelling, usually in one leg.
DVT can be very serious, and we recommend seeking medical assistance if you are concerned.
-
Underlying medical conditions & medications: Chronic heart failure, liver, lung or kidney disease, as well as the medications used to treat them, can cause swelling.
- Injury, infection or illness: Bone and muscle injuries, infections, burns, blunt trauma or certain illnesses may also be contributing factors.
How Can Compression Socks and Stockings Help Edema?
Wearing compression socks can help with edema in several ways, regardless of how severe the symptoms are.
Compression socks, stockings and leggings work by applying graduated pressure up the leg, with the highest pressure (measured in mmHg) at the ankle. This compression increases blood flow around the legs, helping to remove fluid buildup, pushing it back to the heart, and delivering fresh, oxygenated blood to the lower extremities.
Who should wear compression socks?
People can suffer from edema for several reasons, and in most cases, compression socks can help prevent and treat it. People who can benefit from compression socks include:
- Those with jobs on their feet all day, such as teachers, doctors, manual workers, etc.
- Frequent flyers and travellers
- Those who sit for long periods, including people with desk jobs, drivers, etc.
- The elderly
- Those with reduced mobility or recovering from injury or surgery
- Pregnant women
- Athletes and fitness enthusiasts
However, it’s essential to consult with a doctor or other professional care provider beforehand, as they can’t be worn by some people with certain conditions. These can include:
- Severe edema
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
- Skin conditions, infections and certain injuries
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Diagnosed DVT
- Certain allergies
FITLEGs Compression Socks & Stockings
If you’re suffering from edema and are looking for a reliable, safe and comfortable solution, we have a range of compression socks and stockings on the FITLEGs online store. Our compression socks come in a wide range of pressures to suit different needs, from everyday wear to medical conditions.
Explore the full range today.
