What is pitted edema?!
Question:
What is pitted edema?
I saw 2 different doctors this week ( my gyno and my primary care) and both couldnt see anything wrong with my leg. My husband thought it looked swollen the other day when he gave me a massgae but the doctors couldnt see anything. Wouldn't the doctors have seen pitted edema if I had it? It hurts to walk and the pain starts from my lower back and my inner thigh. I had blood work( metabolic profile) and CBC and the doctor said it all looked great. Could I have the pitted edema and both doctors overlooked it?
Answers:
What makes you think it's pitting edema?
Do you have ill health?
Your Sciatic nerve runs from the middle of your cheek down the back of your leg.
Sciatica first aid
The term sciatica (sometimes misspelled "ciatica" or "siatica") is used to describe pain that radiates down the course of the sciatic nerve, which starts from each side of the lower back, extends down the back of the thigh, and into the foot.
This type of pain is caused by compression of nerve roots in the lower part of the spine, which merge together to form the sciatic nerve in the pelvis. Pain may result from a variety of conditions, including disc problems. The good news, however, is that most cases of sciatica are not serious and will get better within a few days or weeks.
When the sciatica pain flares up, it is helpful to know several options that can be used to help alleviate the pain and discomfort and help you to quickly return to your normal activity.
Cold and heat treatment for sciatica
Ice and heat sources are easily available, inexpensive, and usually quite effective in treating sciatica.
A cold pack or ice application can reduce inflammation and numb sore tissue, alleviating some of the pain in the sciatic nerve. This should be used initially when pain is sharp and intense, usually for 2 to 7 days, depending on the severity of the pain.
Heat dilates blood vessels, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the area, which assists in healing. Applying heat also stimulates sensory receptors in the skin, so the brain focuses less on the pain of sciatica. This is best used after the acute, sharp pain has subsided, typically 3 to 7 days after the start of the condition.