What Is a Foot Edema?
Foot edema is swelling in the foot and ankle due to excess fluid buildup. The condition is usually painless by itself, though swelling can cause discomfort when walking or wearing tight shoes. Most cases of foot edema are short-lived and not serious health concerns; fluid buildup can be caused by sitting in one position for too long or taking certain medications. It is possible, however, for edema to be a sign of a major underlying disorder, such as liver or kidney failure. Doctors can explain different home remedies to relieve mild edema and prescribe medications for larger problems. Hundreds of tiny blood vessels called capillaries provide blood and fluid to tissues in the foot. Mild edema occurs when the blood vessels are damaged or compressed, causing them to leak. The fluid loss triggers the kidneys to retain extra water and sodium from the diet, which eventually enter the bloodstream, travel to the foot, and again leak out of capillaries. Excess free fluid in tissue is responsibl
