Edema is the medical term for swelling in the body brought about by an abnormal accumulation of fluids beneath the skin. Edema isn’t linked to one specific origin, but instead can be caused by pregnancy, heart failure, insect bites, systemic disease or even varicose veins and spider veins. Outside temperatures can complicate edema; the body adjusts to heat by retaining more water than usual, causing salt excretion to become inhibited, resulting in additional swelling and potential leg pain.
To find the cause of your edema, a qualified vein doctor to have tests run on your existing symptoms. Pinpointing the source and treating the condition is important to avoid long term damage.
The following are common causes of edema:
- Pregnancy: As the baby develops and grows larger increasing pressure is applied to to the heart, sometimes restricting blood flow and contributing to the development of varicose veins, a leading cause of leg pain.
- Chronic lung disease: Conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema increase blood pressure, causing blood vessels throughout the entire body to enlarge, higher pressures especially affect the legs and feet.
- Congestive heart failure: With the heart unable to pump efficiently, fluid buildup causes swelling most visible in the legs and feet.
- Venous Insufficiency: Tiny one-way valves in veins weaken and become structurally compromised, no longer able to prevent the retrograde flow of blood. This allows blood to accumulate, leading to swelling. Venous insufficiency also results in the formation of varicose veins. Summer heat dilates blood vessels, restricting blood flow further, complicating the edema and increasing leg pain.
To identify the specific condition causing your edema, visit a qualified cardiologist or vein doctor in Lincolnshire who can effectively treat and cure the source of your leg pain. If afflicted by varicose or spider veins, don’t hesitate to contact the vein specialists at Advanced Vein & Laser Centre by phone at (847) 367-4040 or
online
and schedule a complimentary consultation.
