When should you seek medical attention for edema?

Seek medical care immediately if your edema is suddenly worse, painful, new, or if it’s associated with chest pain or trouble breathing.

How do you know if edema is serious?

When to See Your Doctor about Edema

1. You have a fever.
2. The skin on or around the edematous area is red and warm to touch.
3. You have open sores in or around the edematous area.
4. You have a history of kidney, heart or liver disease.

When is edema an emergency?

When to get emergency help Get help for pitting edema right away if you have chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, trouble breathing, dizziness, confusion, or fainting spells. These are signs that you might have a serious heart problem or a blood clot in your lungs.

When should you go to the hospital for swollen feet and legs?

Seek emergency medical care if you have leg swelling and any of the following signs or symptoms, which can indicate a blood clot in your lungs or a serious heart condition: Chest pain. Difficulty breathing. Shortness of breath with exertion or lying flat in bed.

What type of doctor should I see for edema?

Because edema is multifactorial (many possible causes), several doctors will likely be involved in your care. This includes your primary care physician (PCP) or internist, a nephrologist (kidney specialist), cardiologist (heart specialist), or gastroenterologist (digestive tract or liver specialist).

How do you get rid of edema fast?

Lifestyle and home remedies

1. Movement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart.
2. Elevation.
3. Massage.
4. Compression.
5. Protection.
6. Reduce salt intake.

When should you see a doctor for swollen feet?

In some cases, your family doctor may refer you to a specialist if he or she suspects an underlying health condition that’s causing your swollen feet. In that case, you’ll have to see a doctor to help with that specific problem.

When should I go to the ER for ankle swelling?

You may not need to call 911, but you should contact your doctor immediately or visit an urgent care clinic if you have new or increasing ankle swelling and: You have a history of heart disease. You have a history of kidney disease. You are pregnant and the swelling has gotten worse or appeared suddenly.

Are swollen ankles a sign of serious illness?

In these situations, swollen ankles could be a sign of a serious illness. If your swollen ankles occur along with shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911. This could be a sign of serious heart disease or heart failure.

When should I make an appointment for swelling of the legs?

Make an appointment as soon as possible so that your doctor can diagnose the underlying problem. Before your appointment, consider the following tips: Restrict the amount of salt in your diet. Put a pillow under your legs when lying down, which may lessen swelling related to the buildup of fluid.