Edema (or swelling) of the lower limbs is common in older adults. The most common cause (about 70%) of leg edema is due to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Other serious causes of edema include congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease.

Does edema cause redness?

Swollen legs and ankles along with red blotchy skin can occur for a variety of reasons, but several may require examination and treatment. If you have swollen legs and ankles, especially if you frequently work on your feet all day, it could be a sign of what’s called edema.

Why does edema cause redness?

Redness and heat are caused by increased blood flow. Swelling is the result of the increased movement of fluid and white blood cells into the injured area.

How do you know if edema is serious?

When to See Your Doctor about Edema

1. You have a fever.
2. The skin on or around the edematous area is red and warm to touch.
3. You have open sores in or around the edematous area.
4. You have a history of kidney, heart or liver disease.

When should you seek medical attention for edema?

Seek medical care immediately if your edema is suddenly worse, painful, new, or if it’s associated with chest pain or trouble breathing.

What does it mean if your feet turn red?

Foot redness is usually caused by skin infections or fungal infections. The most common type of infections that cause red spots on feet are athlete’s foot and cellulitis.

What causes swelling and redness in legs and feet?

Edema is the actual swelling of the ankles and the legs, typically caused by venous hypertension or venous insufficiency. Hypertension and venous insufficiency is usually caused by one of the following factors: An obstruction or blockage in the veins, which can come from a tumor, or a deep vein thrombus.

What causes redness and swelling in lower legs?

Common causes of leg swelling include salt retention, cellulitis, congestive heart failure, venous insufficiency, pregnancy, and medication side effects.

What does redness on legs mean?

The most common causes of what looks like a rash or red dots on the lower legs are either immune-mediated inflammation like eczema or psoriasis, or a skin infection like cellulitis. Other causes of red blotches on the lower legs can arise from an allergic reaction to certain foods or contact with poisonous plants.

What does severe edema look like?

Signs of edema include: Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms. Stretched or shiny skin. Skin that retains a dimple (pits), after being pressed for several seconds.

What causes edema in legs in elderly?

Edema (or swelling) of the lower limbs is common in older adults. The most common cause (about 70%) of leg edema is due to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Other serious causes of edema include congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease.

What happens if edema is left untreated?

If left untreated, edema can lead to increasingly painful swelling, stiffness, difficulty walking, stretched or itchy skin, skin ulcers, scarring, and decreased blood circulation.

What medications cause edema?

Many medicines can cause edema, including:

• NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen)
• Calcium channel blockers.
• Corticosteroids (like prednisone and methylprednisolone)
• Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.
• Pramipexole.

Is walking good for edema?

The best weapon in the fight against swollen legs is a simple one: walking. Getting your legs moving means circulation is improved which will sweep up that collected fluid and get it shifted.

Should I go to the hospital for edema?

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing, or inability to catch your breath. Edema occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues of your body, resulting in swelling of the feet, fingers, hands, legs and other parts of the body.

Will drinking more water help with edema?

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have. This contributes to swelling.