Edema is a medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the bodys tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but it is more likely to show up in the feet, ankles, and legs. Edema can be caused by various factors, including injury, inflammation, medications, pregnancy, infections, and many other medical problems. It can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or liver problems.

Edema happens when small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues, and the extra fluid builds up, making the tissue swell. There are different types of edema, including peripheral edema, which usually affects the legs, feet, and ankles, and can be a sign of problems with the circulatory system, lymph nodes, or kidneys.

To diagnose edema, a healthcare provider will do a physical exam and ask about the medical history of the patient. Sometimes, diagnostic tests are needed to find the underlying cause of edema. Treatment for edema often involves treating the underlying cause. For example, if edema is caused by a block in fluid drainage, getting the drainage flowing again can help. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can also help reduce edema.

If left untreated, edema can cause complications such as swelling that gets more and more painful, problems walking, stiffness, stretched skin, which can itch, increased risk of infection in the swollen area, scarring between layers of tissue, less blood flow, less ability of the arteries, veins, joints, and muscles to stretch, and increased risk of skin ulcers.