Edema This helps with fluid in the leg

Edema in the legs

With fluid in the leg are meant edema. These are swellings that can have various causes. The edema, if they occur only occasionally and pass by on their own, is usually harmless. Regular swelling associated with pain must be checked by a doctor. Similarly, sudden fluid accumulation, possibly associated with heat, redness and abnormal sensations belong to immediate medical treatment. If respiratory-related pain, circulatory problems and shortness of breath are added, the emergency physician must be called.

contents

• Edema in the legs
• Edema in the legs - causes
• Hormonal condition
• Infections, injuries
• heart failure
• venous diseases
• Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of superficial veins)
• lymphedema
• Naturopathic therapies
• lymphatic drainage
• Other tips

Edema in the legs - causes

Swelling of the legs can have many different causes. (Image: chuugo / fotolia.com)

Edema develops when fluid escapes into the tissue. Normally the vessels - both veins, arteries and lymphatic vessels - retain their fluid. This is guaranteed by certain pressure conditions. If the pressure conditions change, if the vessels become permeable or lack proteins, this may be responsible for the presence of fluid in the legs or other parts of the body. Mechanical drainage, trauma (for example, after surgery) allergic reactions or infections can also cause swelling.

But also long sitting or standing, especially in summer, during a longer bus or plane trip, comes as a cause in question. The blood sags, fluid is secreted into the tissues and the result is swollen legs. However, these swellings usually disappear quickly.

Hormonal condition

The hormone estrogen binds water in the body. The antagonist, the progesterone, excretes fluid. If these two are not in balance or estrogen gets the upper hand, so fluid can accumulate in the legs, but also in the hands, stomach and face. This occurs especially in the menopause or in the days before the period. In pregnant women, the pressure in the abdominal area is added, which makes many expectant moms big legs.

Infections, injuries

In the case of infections and injuries, the inflammatory mediators present, such as histamine or prostaglandin, increase the permeability of the smallest vessels, the so-called capillaries, which can cause fluid to escape into the tissue, causing swelling.

heart failure

In heart failure, the heart is no longer working properly. The pumping power is reduced, the blood builds up in front of the heart, which increases the pressure on the veins, which in turn causes a squeezing of fluid. Those affected have fat legs during the day. In the initial stage of the disease, the puffiness goes back in peace, overnight. The water is excreted - those affected often have to go to the bathroom at night. In advanced stages, however, the swellings persist permanently.

venous diseases

Varicose veins, in technical language called varices, are venous diseases that occur frequently. Women are much more likely to suffer from it than men due to pregnancy and connective tissue weakness. Varicose veins are tortuous and dilated veins that occur mainly in the legs. The veins dilate due to venous wall weakness and / or venous valvular insufficiency (the venous valves are no longer closing correctly). The disease is reinforced by prolonged sitting or standing.

Frequently, the varicose veins persist for a long time without any symptoms until the typical symptoms such as tension and heaviness and swelling occur. Left untreated, there is a risk of thrombophlebitis (inflammation of superficial veins) or of chronic venous insufficiency (= chronic obstruction of the leg veins)..

By changing the lifestyle, the progression can usually be minimized so that no invasive measures are needed. Those affected should reduce existing overweight. Alcohol and smoking are contraindicated. In order to counteract constipation, proper diet, adequate hydration and exercise are important.

Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of superficial veins)

Thrombophlebitis is a condition that is unconditionally in the hands of a doctor. A blood clot forms in a superficial vein, usually due to existing varicose veins. However, this inflammation can also develop in healthy veins as a result of trauma or after an injection. Redness, pain and fluid in the leg are among the typical complaints.

lymphedema

In lymphedema, protein-rich fluid accumulates in the leg, which is stagnant. The mechanism of development is as follows: If the lymphatic drainage is obstructed, the lymph builds up in front of the obstacle. This causes a swelling. In the first stage, this is soft, depressible and usually disappears by elevating the legs. In the second stage, the leg tissue increases, which also hardens more and more. The fabric is no longer depressible and raising it brings no relief. In the third stage, the volume increases dramatically and the skin thickens more and more, causing massive edema. Causes of lymphedema are congenital lymphatic vessel degeneration, inflammation, tumors, surgery and radiation.

Naturopathic therapies

The existing diseases can not be undone, but the symptoms can be alleviated and a progression delayed or even stopped.

In some naturopathic practices, leech therapy is used. This is a gentle bloodletting, which leads to a decongestion and stimulates the blood and lymph flow.

Enzyme therapy is another way to tackle the edema. Enzymes, for example, contained in pineapple and papaya, are prescribed in high doses. About the diet, the required amount can not be supplied, but this must be done using appropriate enzyme preparations.

Foot reflexology therapy, which treats and balances the entire body, has its raison d'être here as well. In lymphoedema, reflex zones of the affected lymphatic areas on the feet are treated. For varicose veins, however, caution is required. If these are pronounced, then foot reflexology therapy should be foreseen.

Schüssler salts such as # 1 calcium fluoratum, # 4 potassium chloratum, # 8 sodium chloratum, and supplement # 22 calcium carbonicum help reduce the fluid in the leg. Individual remedies from homeopathy are also prescribed, but must be individually tailored to those affected. Here are constitutional remedies such as Acidum fluoricum, arnica, Calcarea, Lachesis, Graphites, Ledum, Apis and many more in question.

In phytotherapy, the following plants show activity against fluid accumulation in the legs. Clover, horse chestnut, butcher's broom and witch hazel. Even ointments that contain lymph-stimulating and anti-inflammatory substances such as sun hat, Bärlapp, pokeweed, calendula and / or celandine, help if they are applied regularly.

In traditional Chinese medicine, certain acupuncture points are regularly needled to tackle the fluid in the leg.

Lymphatic drainage is a proven method of treating fluid retention in the legs. (Image: Brigitte Bohnhorst / fotolia.com)

lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage is the drug of choice in both conventional medicine and naturopathy in lymphoedema to reduce fluid retention in the leg. This is a special form of massage that uses gentle pressure to try to drain the lymph. Thereafter, the affected area is wrapped with special bandages and adapted compression stockings are worn until the next lymph drainage. The whole thing can still be supported with suitable lymphatics.

Other tips

Hot applications are contraindicated in any case. Cold pads are recommended. Compresses impregnated with a comfrey and / or Hamamelis solution, especially with fluid retention caused by venous disease relief. Here also help Unterschenkelgüsse and Wassertreten.

The diet should be rich in fiber and contain little animal protein and sugar. Ensure adequate hydration. Especially with venous diseases and lymphedema of the first degree is a frequent high legs to recommend. Depending on the extent of the edema, the use of compression stockings is recommended, but always under expert control. Regular, moderate exercise is important for both blood and lymphatic flow. Anyone who has to deal with fluid in the limbs, should clarify this. Causes must be discovered and treated. (Sw)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)