General Characteristics of Edema
Edema is the abnormal swelling of some part of the body due to the retention of fluid in body tissues.
Most often, when physicians refer to edema, they are talking about swelling of the lower legs or ankles.
Edema is not a disease itself. Rather, it is a sign that may be related to illness or injury or may simply
be related to an inappropriate life style. To treat edema, the underlying cause should be identified;
appropriate treatment can then be initiated. While some of the causes of edema are minor, others may be
life-threatening; therefore, any unusual swelling should be investigated by a doctor.
Simple Causes of Edema
Swollen feet and ankles are quite common in people who are on their feet a lot, such as dentists, cashiers
or barbers. The problem usually disappears with rest and an appropriate change in daily habits. If a job
requires a good deal of standing, the employee should take hourly breaks to sit down and, if possible, raise
the feet for a few minutes. This edema occurs when the veins in the lower extremities fail to keep pace with
the arteries, the outward flow of blood lagging behind the inward flow. If the large veins of the lower
extremities are actually diseased, the edema brought on by standing is likely to be very noticeable.
Swollen ankles also may be caused by tightness around the upper legs, such as that caused by garters, rolled
stockings or other constricting garments. In these instances, simply not wearing such garments should end the edema.
