Edema is a swelling that occurs in the legs due to fluid build-up in the body. This condition often affects pregnant women or people aged 65 years and above, causing them to become bedridden. Even though it starts out pretty slowly, the onset of edema can happen quite suddenly and can also sometimes be a sign of something serious. It either affects a small area or even the whole body.

How does edema affect the body?
Edema occurs when the blood vessels leak fluids into the tissues nearby, causing the affected area to swell up. Although mostly seen in the legs, the condition can also affect any part of the body, such as the hands, face, and abdomen. This might cause problems with everyday tasks and, sometimes, cause the patients to stay in bed all day.

Symptoms of edema
The visible swelling may cause the affected area’s skin to become puffy, stretched, and shiny. It can either be due to inflammation or infection. Sometimes, the underlying condition may also be an allergy. The symptoms of edema often vary, and they depend on the location and severity of the swelling. Some of the symptoms include:

An ache in body parts
Stiff joints
Difficulty walking
Tightness in the affected area
Soreness/mild pain in the affected area

Causes of edema
Edema or swelling in different parts of the body has many causes and often happens due to an underlying problem. It can either be something as simple as a reaction to a bee sting, or it could be due to something serious that has not been diagnosed yet. So, it is important to pay a visit to a healthcare provider to understand the cause of the issue. Some of the causes could be:

Weak vein valves
Sometimes, the veins in the body may become weaker, making it difficult for the blood to reach the heart. This leads to fluid build-up in the legs and may also cause a condition known as varicose veins.

Kidney disease/damage
Anyone suffering from kidney-related issues or kidney damage may be unable to expel fluids, sodium, and other substances from the bloodstream. This results in additional pressure on the other blood vessels, causing them to leak liquids and swelling.

Pregnancy
Sometimes, during pregnancy, the additional weight from the uterus puts extra pressure on the blood vessels in the lower part of your body, causing swelling in the legs.

Sitting/standing for too long
If a person stays in a position for a long period, it causes water to be naturally pulled down to the arms, feet, and legs. This causes a sudden swelling.

Flow obstruction
If fluid gets obstructed in any part of the body, it begins to collect in the area, causing visible swelling. This can happen due to a blood clot, a tumor, or even the presence of a fluid known as lymph.

Treatment of edema
As edema is often a symptom of an underlying disease, it is advised to get the underlying issues diagnosed and treated. In addition, there are some steps through which fluid retention can be avoided. These include:

Keeping the affected area elevated
When lying down, it is important to keep the affected area elevated by using a pillow. Keeping your legs or any other affected area elevated above the level of your heart helps to avoid fluid retention.

Wearing support socks
The regular use of support socks or stockings eases the pressure and ensures that no fluid gets collected in the area or causes any discomfort.

Reduction of salt
Foods with excess salt (sodium) should be avoided, as it aids fluid retention and increases the chances of edema.

Using edema-friendly footwear
There are edema-friendly shoes available in the market. These adjustable footwear options help people with chronic edema be more comfortable.

Foods to have for edema

Magnesium-rich foods
Magnesium, one of the essential minerals, ensures the smooth functioning. Additionally, magnesium helps reduce water retention, easing the discomfort caused by edema. Some magnesium sources include dark chocolate, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.

Vitamin B6-rich foods
Vitamin B6 plays a critical role in the body, as it helps with brain function, immunity, and protein metabolism. It also regulates fluid balance in the body and can prove to be helpful in edema. You can find Vitamin B6 in foods like bananas, potatoes, tuna, walnuts, and chickpeas.