Swelling in your feet and ankles can make life uncomfortable. This may be an indication that you have a condition called edema. Our specialists at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus can help. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.
“I arrived with sore toes and with little understanding of the cause for the soreness, Thanks to her patience and clear explanation, I left with an understanding of the cause of the pain, the treatment needed, guidelines for improving care of my toes, and medication for the healing process. This was a very helpful and educational visit.” — Tynan W.
Edema is a medical term used to describe swelling that is caused by too much fluid being trapped within your body’s tissues. Edema occurs most often in your feet, ankles, and legs. However, it can also affect other areas of your body as well.
Although edema can affect anyone, it is more commonly seen in those 65 years or older and pregnant women.
There are various different types of edema, including the following:
The severity of your condition will be based on the cause. However, the most common edema symptoms can include:
Identifying the cause of this fluid build-up/fluid retention can help your doctor render adequate treatment. There are many different factors that can cause edema, including:
To accurately diagnose edema, your doctor will perform a physical examination and order diagnostic tests to identify the cause of your symptoms.
There are various ways to treat edema, and your treatment will depend on the root cause of your condition.
Your doctor may recommend the following treatment:
It is important to note that you should see a provider right away if you experience the following:
Unfortunately, if your edema is caused by an underlying health condition, like congestive heart failure or kidney disease, it can not be prevented. However, by being compliant with the instructions your specialist provides, you can manage your symptoms.
There are other situations in which edema can be prevented. You can prevent edema by:
If you have edema, it is important to treat the root cause and reduce the amount of fluid accumulation in your body. The following steps can help reduce swelling:
If an injury does occur, we also specialize in lower extremity wound care and can provide the treatment you need.
If edema is affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center located in Columbus, OH today! Our specialists look forward to providing you with the quality care you deserve.
Medically reviewed by Lynette R. Mehl, DPM
