What is edema?
Swelling (edema) is a condition in which excess fluid accumulates under the skin. When you press your fingers into the base of your feet, a sunken mark may remain for a while.
Standing work for long periods of time, sitting for long periods of time, and excessive salt intake can all temporarily cause swelling. On the other hand, it can also be caused by diseases of the heart, kidneys, liver, and thyroid gland, the effects of medications, or diseases of the leg veins.
If only one leg suddenly swells and there is pain or redness, it may be a condition called deep vein thrombosis, in which blood clots form in the leg veins. It is important to get it checked out as soon as possible.
In such cases, seek medical attention.
- Even when I wake up in the morning, the swelling is still there.
- The swelling continues and gets stronger and stronger
- The eyelids and face are also swollen
- Along with swelling, there is shortness of breath, weight gain, and decreased urine volume.
- During a health check-up, they were identified with abnormal levels of protein in the urine and abnormalities in the kidneys and liver.
- Only one leg is swollen (if it swells suddenly, or if there is pain or redness, seek medical attention immediately).
- As I lie down, my breathing becomes difficult, and when I get up, it becomes easier.
In the following cases, immediate emergency medical care is required:
- Along with the swelling, I suddenly had difficulty breathing.
- One leg is swollen and painful, with shortness of breath and chest pain.
- The eyelids, lips, and throat suddenly swell, accompanied by shortness of breath and hives.
Tests performed at our clinic
We will ask about the areas of swelling (both legs or one leg, face), when it started, changes in weight, other symptoms, and any medications you are taking.
If necessary, blood tests (to check the functioning of the kidneys and liver, thyroid hormone levels, nutritional status, and whether the heart is under stress) will be performed, as well as urine tests, electrocardiograms, and chest X-rays.
If you suspect a vein condition in your legs, we will introduce you to medical institutions that can perform ultrasound examinations. The medical institutions we work with are:About Partner HospitalsPlease visit the page for the "What is a cookie?" section.
medical treatment
When the cause is identified, treatment for the disease is provided. If medication is suspected to be the cause, we will review the situation in consultation with the medical institution that prescribed the medication.
Medicines to reduce swelling (diuretics) are used depending on the cause. In daily life, we will consider things like limiting salt intake, not staying in the same position for long periods of time, moving the calves, and raising the feet slightly when resting.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Which department should I consult if I have swelling?
A. The cause can vary from heart, kidney, liver, thyroid, medication, or leg veins, making this a symptom that is easy to get confused about. At our clinic, we provide internal medicine care and perform the necessary tests to determine the cause.
Q. My legs get swollen in the evening. Is that a sign of an illness?
A. Sitting at a desk or standing for long periods of time often leads to swollen legs in the evening, and they often go down in the morning. If you experience swelling again in the morning or if it gets worse, please consult us.
Q. Should I limit my water intake?
A. Limiting your water intake at your own discretion can lead to dehydration. Depending on the cause, the appropriate response will vary, so please consult with us.