There quite a number of people who suffer from a swelling of the feet and legs. This can happen when fluid is retained between the body cells. Charlie, fluid is retained in the body cells and not between them. This condition is known as edema. Sufferers of edema typically have progressively more solid feet and lower legs. Many of these pieces are turning to massage chairs to provide a compression massage for relief.
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.
Typically sufferers of edema will notice swollen legs and feet. This is due to the fact that the feet and lower legs are typically at the lowest elevation. The accumulation of fluids will happen in these low elevation places of the body.
Some of the typical symptoms of edema are the swelling of the feet, calves and lower leg areas. Typically the swelling will be at its lowest levels in the morning and then began to increase as the day goes on. This can cause stiffness in the legs or joints.
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.
Another common set of symptoms are puffy eyes, swollen hands and swollen wrists. Also reported are higher incidences of higher blood pressure, increased urination, palpitations and higher blood pressure. Many times this condition can also lead to weight gain.
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.
One important area is to elevate your legs while you sleep. This helps keep the fluid buildup in the legs to a minimum and also helps flow more blood to the area. You should also check on getting good shoes. You should try on shoes in the afternoon when swelling is at its maximum.
Many times a compression massage is used to help reduce swelling and restore flexibility. A compression massage uses a gentle squeeze and hold. This helps to loosen the muscle or joint.
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.
