How to Reduce Edema Naturally
Check for common symptoms., Evaluate your risk factors for peripheral edema., Be aware of underlying medical causes.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Check for common symptoms.
Peripheral edema is characterized by puffiness of the ankles, feet, arms, and hands.
The puffiness may cause your skin to appear stretched or shiny.
If you press a finger into the swelling and the indentation (or pit) remains for a while, you may have pitting edema.
Pitting edema often occurs after a long period of sitting. -
Step 2: Evaluate your risk factors for peripheral edema.
Mild or moderate peripheral edema may result from a wide variety of causes, including:
Remaining sedentary for long periods of time without movement or exercise, Eating excessive high-salt foods, Experiencing hormone changes (including pre-menstrual bloating and changes to estrogen levels), Being pregnant, Experiencing a post-surgical injury to the lymphatic system and lymph nodes (common after surgery to remove breast cancer), Taking certain medications, including steroids, high blood pressure medication, anti-diabetes medication, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). , In addition to the risk factors listed above, edema can result from a variety of systemic diseases.
Seek evaluation by a medical professional to check for the following:
Congestive Heart Failure, Liver disease, Kidney diseases or nephrotic syndrome (a kidney-related disease that involves low blood albumin, an important protein in blood); Chronic venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, whereby veins are unable to circulate blood effectively; Lymphatic insufficiency or damage (which can be caused by chemotherapy, surgery, or another injury). -
Step 3: Be aware of underlying medical causes.
Detailed Guide
Peripheral edema is characterized by puffiness of the ankles, feet, arms, and hands.
The puffiness may cause your skin to appear stretched or shiny.
If you press a finger into the swelling and the indentation (or pit) remains for a while, you may have pitting edema.
Pitting edema often occurs after a long period of sitting.
Mild or moderate peripheral edema may result from a wide variety of causes, including:
Remaining sedentary for long periods of time without movement or exercise, Eating excessive high-salt foods, Experiencing hormone changes (including pre-menstrual bloating and changes to estrogen levels), Being pregnant, Experiencing a post-surgical injury to the lymphatic system and lymph nodes (common after surgery to remove breast cancer), Taking certain medications, including steroids, high blood pressure medication, anti-diabetes medication, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). , In addition to the risk factors listed above, edema can result from a variety of systemic diseases.
Seek evaluation by a medical professional to check for the following:
Congestive Heart Failure, Liver disease, Kidney diseases or nephrotic syndrome (a kidney-related disease that involves low blood albumin, an important protein in blood); Chronic venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, whereby veins are unable to circulate blood effectively; Lymphatic insufficiency or damage (which can be caused by chemotherapy, surgery, or another injury).
About the Author
Natalie Burns
Enthusiastic about teaching DIY projects techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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