Medical care for your comfort and convenience
Your feet and ankles are painfully swollen and the skin is stretched and shiny. You need medical care, but the thought of visiting an urgent care or other facility fills you with anxiety. Your shoes simply won’t fit, and when you press your skin, it leaves a dimple. Don’t worry; DispatchHealth provides expert in-home medical care for symptoms of edema. We can save you the uncomfortable drive to receive care and any self-consciousness you may feel while waiting to be seen. Our experienced medical professionals are on standby 365 days a year, offering relief for a range of non-life-threatening health conditions, including edema. For even more peace of mind, a qualified physician is always available by phone to help our team in diagnosing your condition and devising a prompt and effective treatment plan.
If this is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
When to seek medical attention
Edema is caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues and can occur in any part of the body. Symptoms include swollen or puffy skin and increased abdominal size. People notice symptoms more in their hands, arms, ankles, and feet. This condition can result from pregnancy, medication, or an underlying health issue, such as:
- Congestive heart failure
- Cirrhosis
- Kidney disease
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Long-term protein deficiency
If you’ve been sitting for a long time—on a cross-country flight, for example—you may also experience edema symptoms. You should consult a medical professional immediately if your symptoms are accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, as these can be signs of pulmonary edema, which requires prompt treatment.
Potential complications
Typically, mild edema goes away on its own, but you can aid recovery by elevating the affected area above the level of your heart several times a day. For more severe forms of edema, health care professionals often prescribe drugs that help the body to expel excess fluid. If left untreated, edema can lead to walking difficulties, stiffness in the affected area, decreased blood circulation, and increased risk of skin ulcers. If you need convenient and affordable treatment for edema, contact DispatchHealth today to request our in-home care service.
If this is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
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