Some people may have issues with their feet or legs swelling up in a particular area. This can sometimes be known as edema. At edema is medically known as the occurrence of fluid being retained in between the spaces of the body cells. This can cause swelling and the feet and legs. Some people are finding refuge from the swelling utilizing a compression massage from a massage chair.
Edema can result by a serious condition of the kidneys, the heart, the liver or even blood vessels. Some of the following have been late to contribute it to edema: pregnancy, PMS, neuromuscular disorders, and abusing drugs. These have been known to cause fluid to be retained between the body cells.
Edema can typically affect the feet, ankles and the lower legs. These areas will tend to accumulate more fluid due to their relative positions when sitting and standing. Edema has also been known to impact other areas of the body. When this occurs a can have systemic symptoms.
How do you know if you are being affected by edema? The initial symptoms that may occur are the feet and legs swelling. This usually occurs as the day progresses. The swelling may start to begin in the morning and become more progressive during the day. This can start to weigh on you as the day goes by.
As the day progresses, you may feel your feet or lower legs swelling. This can start to bog you down as the swelling causes increased stiffness in the muscles and joints. With increased stiffness, it starts to affect your mobility.
Persons suffering from long-term edema may have what is called pitting. Pitting can be checked when you press a small area for a few seconds. Once you release your finger you may notice an indentation continues in that area. This needs to be checked as continued swelling can cause skin ulcerations.
Edema can be progressive and start to show many other symptoms. Other symptoms that may be experienced are high blood pressure, headaches, increased urination and puffy eyes. Often sufferers of edema may also notice weight gain. This is hard as the mobility is affected by the swelling of the lower legs.
Preventing edema is always the best measure, but seeking relief is also a good alternative. Since you are dealing with swelling, elevating the legs is always important. When you elevate the legs above the level of the heart, this puts minimal pressure on the back of the knees and thighs.
You may also try leg wedges to elevate the feet while sleeping. Make sure that your feet fit well in your shoes and there are even supports socks. When you are trying to choose some shoes, just make sure you try them in the late afternoon. If you try them in the morning and your feet swell then they will not fit well in the afternoon.
Compression massages have been used to help reduce the swelling associated with edema. A compression massage uses inflatable airbags to provide a firm pressure. This helps to relieve tension to reduce the stiffness.
Many massage chairs have lower body air compression massages. A leg rest contains a number of airbags to provide a gentle hold and squeeze massage. These airbags are designed for the feet and calves. This can be great relief for someone with stiff joints and muscles.
Like any medical condition, you should always check with your medical provider to see what is right in your case. There are many options that may be available to help relieve the stiffness and pain from edema. Massage chairs have been used in some cases to help patients relieve stiffness and help improve their mobility.