Swelling on the body is a common symptom to experience. Normally, it is the result of inflammation as the body rushes blood and extra fluid to the site of an injury to help it heal. When your leg swells, it could be due to this response. However, there are other reasons for leg swelling that have to do with health conditions. In some of these cases, the swelling is sometimes known as pitting edema.
When Leg Swelling Becomes Pitting Edema
Pitting edema describes when someone has swollen legs due to a buildup of excess fluid to the point that pressure on the skin leaves temporary indentations (University of Maryland Medical Center).
Pitting Edema Causes
Fluid buildup can happen for a variety of reasons, according to Harvard Health Publishing from Harvard Medical School, including:
- Prolonged standing or sitting, especially in hot weather
- Venous insufficiency, or tiny valves inside the veins of the legs becoming weakened over time
- Severe, chronic (long-term) lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Congestive heart failure
- Pregnancy or preeclampsia
- Low protein levels in the blood caused by malnutrition, kidney disease, and liver disease
- Certain medications like nifedipine, steroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Blood clots in the legs
- An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
Pitting edema is oftentimes associated with systemic conditions where fluid retention is the main issue. This fluid is mainly composed of water (osmosis.org). This is different from non-pitting edema, which is normally associated with local conditions. In non-pitting edema cases, the fluid buildup is mainly composed of substances like proteins, salts, and water.
Do You Need a Doctor for Leg Swelling or Pitting Edema?
Some of the causes for leg swelling and pitting edema aren’t uncommon or caused by underlying health issues. Pregnant people can usually expect some degree of swelling without cause for worry. Those standing or sitting or long periods of time just need to get the fluid moving again.
However, if you experience regular or prolonged periods of pitting edema without knowing the cause, it would be best to have a doctor eliminate the possibility of it being for an underlying health issue. Regardless of the fact that it can sometimes be caused by harmless factors, it is still a symptom.
If you or someone you love has suffered from pitting edema in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.
Recent Comments