Why does edema cause pain

Increased pressure causes the fluid to be pushed out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue, leading to edema. Kidney Disease Edema can occur because the disease leads to extra fluid and sodium in the circulatory system, which then builds up pressure in the blood vessels and leads to swelling.

Kidney disease can cause edema in multiple areas. This causes a declining level of protein in the blood, which can lead to fluid accumulation and edema.

Liver Cirrhosis A scarring of the liver tissue, it can lead to abdominal edema. This happens because cirrhosis causes a lack of proteins in the liver, which can lead to increased pressure in the blood vessels and fluid seeping into the abdomen. Severe Lung Conditions Conditions such as emphysema can lead to edema if pressure in the lungs and heart gets too high. Mild cases of edema will usually go away on their own, particularly if you make certain lifestyle adjustments.

More severe cases of edema may be treated with diuretics medications that help your body expel excess fluid in urine. If edema is caused by an underlying health condition such as heart failure, long-term management should focus on treating the underlying condition. Elevating the Affected Limb Holding the swollen arm or leg above heart level several times a day can help reduce swelling.

In some instances, elevating the affected limb while sleeping may also be beneficial. Exercise Moving the muscles in the part of the body affected by edema, particularly the legs, can help pump excess fluid back to the heart.

Talk to your healthcare provider about exercises that are right for you. Massage Firm but not painful strokes around the affected area toward the heart may help stimulate excess fluid to move out of the area.

Reduced Salt Intake Too much salt can increase fluid retention and worsen swelling. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to limit sodium intake in your diet. Compression Your doctor may recommend compression socks, sleeves, or gloves after the swelling has gone down in your limbs to prevent it from recurring. These garments keep pressure on the arms and legs to prevent fluid from collecting.

American Heart Association. This leading heart association offers a wide array of resources on heart disease, including heart failure, which can result in swelling edema. The website lists practical tips for dealing with edema and available treatments. This website was started as a forum for heart failure experts to discuss all things related to heart failure, heart function, and congestive heart disease.

The patient section of the site has information on apps to manage heart failure and a toolkit with information on living well with the condition. Developed by two heart failure specialists, the website outlines the basics of heart failure. Mayo Clinic. Your doctor might want you to take a medicine called a diuretic. This is also called a water pill. These pills help flush salt and extra fluid out of your body through your urine. It is important to see your doctor if you have edema, especially if you are pregnant.

If it is not treated, your skin may keep stretching. This can lead to other health problems. If you have edema and you start to have trouble breathing, call your doctor right away. This article was contributed by: familydoctor.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

You may hear conflicting reports from different sources. The U. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Food Poisoning. Acute Bronchitis. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Bursitis of the Hip. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. High Blood Pressure.

Home Diseases and Conditions Edema. Table of Contents. What is edema? Edema symptoms. Back to Health A to Z. Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs often goes away on its own. See a GP if it does not get better in a few days.

Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema. Swelling in your ankles, feet or legs should go away on its own, but there are some things you can try to help. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.