In simplest terms, edema refers to swelling in the body. This is when fluids leak from inside blood vessels into the surrounding body tissue. Edema of the legs is particularly common and can be a sign of serious medical conditions.
References
Gasparis, A. P., et al. (2020). Diagnostic approach to lower limb edema. Phlebology.
Gorman, W. P., et al. (2001). Swollen lower limb: General assessment and deep vein thrombosis. The Western Journal of Medicine.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Lymph system.
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Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
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Alexandra Schwarz, MDAlexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.
