Edema in Feet: Understanding the Signs and Potential Health Concerns

Your feet often give signs and signals about your overall health and any underlying conditions you may be experiencing, so it’s important to pay attention to what they may be trying to tell you! When it comes to foot swelling, this condition, known as edema, may be an important sign that you may have a condition that requires attention. In this blog post, CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists explores what edema in the feet can indicate and its potential implications for overall health, helping you understand when to seek medical evaluation and treatment.

What Causes Edema in the Feet?

• Prolonged standing or sitting that leads to fluid retention due to gravity.
• Injuries or trauma that disrupt the normal flow of fluids in the body.
• Chronic medical conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy that cause increased pressure on the veins and blood vessels.
• Medications that can cause fluid retention such as corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain blood pressure medications.

Recognizing the Signs of Edema in the Feet:

• Skin that appears stretched or shiny.
• Diminished range of motion in the affected joints.
• Discomfort or pain, especially when standing or walking.
• Pitting edema, which occurs when pressure applied to the swollen area leaves a temporary indentation.

Potential Health Concerns:

• Heart failure: This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the body's tissues.
• Kidney disease: An impairment of the kidney's ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
• Liver disease: Impaired liver function and decreased production of proteins that help regulate fluid balance.
• Venous insufficiency: A condition in which the veins in the legs fail to return blood to the heart efficiently, leading to the pooling of blood and fluid in the lower extremities.

If you're experiencing edema in your feet or have concerns about your foot health, it’s important to have a healthcare professional evaluate your condition right away to find out the root issue. For any and all concerns regarding your foot health, Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists are here to help you each step of the way. You can schedule an appointment online or call 425-455-0936.