Peripheral edema is a condition in which you will have swelling in the lower parts of your legs or hands. You might have experienced this after you sit or stand in the same position for a long time, especially during the long journey. It is because of the imbalance of the fluids in your cells. The excess amount of fluid accumulates in your tissues and it will result in swelling. This is not a serious condition unless you have severe pain or difficulty in walking. Aged persons and pregnant woman are more likely to develop peripheral edema.
Causes Of Peripheral Edema
You will have peripheral edema due to different reasons. If it occurs at the night time alone then you may not need to worry much. But some people will have swelling throughout the day and it will last for several days. This has to be taken care under the medical advice. The different causes are
o Wound
o Reaction Of Medicines
o Changes In The Hormones
o Weight Gain
o Dressing
o Pregnancy
o Salt Consumption
Also Read:-Sugarcane Juice During Pregnancy : 7 Health Benefits To Reduce Morning Sickness
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Wound
Swelling can cause if you have fracture in your bones, sprain, and strain in the muscle or ligament and also due to some infections.
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Reaction Of Medicines
If you are taking the medicines for high blood pressure, hormone tablets etc then the chances of developing this condition is more.
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Changes In The Hormones
Sometimes you may have swelling at the time of your menstrual cycle. That is due to the hormonal changes in the body and fluid retention.
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Weight Gain
Sudden increase in the weight can cause pressure on your veins and can lead to peripheral edema. This serious health problem can weaken or damage your veins in the legs. As a result the blood circulation will not happen in the proper way and the blood pools in your lower part of the legs. This condition is known as venous insufficiency.
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Dressing
Wearing tight pants, socks, shoes, leggings etc also can lead to the swelling in the lower parts of the legs.
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Pregnancy
Most of the women develop peripheral edema during the last few months of their pregnancy due to the production of extra fluid by the body. They may have swelling in their legs, hands and face. This will be more in the evening than in the morning time. This may not require any treatment and will disappear soon after the delivery.
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Salt Consumption
Excessive amount of salty food can also cause the swelling of legs and hands.
Peripheral Edema causes when your small blood vessels leak extra fluid, which makes the tissue swell. The various other signs and causes of peripheral edema is described in this article.