Pitting edema occurs when fluid buildup under your skin causes swelling that leaves an indent when you press it. It’s a symptom of several conditions, but some causes are more serious than others.
Edema is swelling in the body caused by excess fluid. It often affects the lower body, such as the legs, feet, and ankles, but can occur anywhere.
If you press on a swollen area and an indentation or pit remains, it’s called pitting edema. If there’s enough fluid, and the swelling is from fluid and not something else, then most edema will pit.
Pitting edema is
Either way, if you have edema, it means that excess fluid is trapped in some of your body tissues and is not being properly carried away.
If you have pitting edema, it’s important to work with a doctor to determine the cause.
Swelling in your body can cause your skin to feel tight. The swollen limb
In addition to the swelling, pitting edema
- rapid weight gain
- stretched or shiny skin
- breathing difficulties, especially when lying down
Symptoms occur case by case, depending on what’s specifically causing the edema.
“Red flag” symptomsIf pitting edema comes on suddenly, seek medical help right away. Also seek immediate help if you notice any of the following symptoms accompanying pitting edema:
- shortness of breath
- fever
- coughing up blood
- jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
- swelling and tenderness in one leg
Pitting edema is a general problem caused by a variety of issues, such as:
- heart failure
- kidney failure
- liver disease
- venous insufficiency
- deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (blood clots, usually in the legs)
- severe lung disease
- pregnancy
- certain medications, like hormones and calcium channel blockers
- administration of intravenous fluids
- low blood protein levels
People of all ages can get pitting edema because the risk factors are mostly related to diet and lifestyle. The main risk factors are:
- eating too much salt
- a sedentary lifestyle
- immobility when an extremity is in a dependent location
- emphysema or other severe lung disease
- heart disease
- obesity
- pregnancy
Pitting edema in pregnancy
In many cases, pitting edema in pregnancy is
Your doctor may want to evaluate you to check that the swelling is just a symptom of pregnancy and not caused by something that may be a sign of preeclampsia, such as:
- abnormal liver function
- kidney problems
- high blood pressure
- loss of protein in the urine
Pitting edema is a nonspecific complaint. That means you’ll need a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose the cause. Your primary care physician may begin some testing. They may also refer you to a cardiologist or a varicose vein specialist.
Diagnostic testing for pitting edema can include:
- examination for signs of water retention elsewhere in the body
- chest X-ray
- blood work
- echocardiogram
Edema scale
To determine the extent of the pitting edema, a doctor will push on your skin, measure the depth of the indention, and record how long it takes for your skin to rebound back to its original position. They will then grade it on a scale from 1 to 4.
| Grade | Depth | Rebound time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 to 2 millimeter (mm) depression, or barely visible | immediate |
| 2 | 3 to 4 mm depression, or a slight indentation | 15 seconds or less |
| 3 | 5 to 6 mm depression | 60 seconds or less |
| 4 | 8 mm depression, or a very deep indentation | 2 to 3 minutes |
While doctors commonly use the above method and scale, many believe it’s not objective or reliable. Researchers
Depending on the cause, treatments for pitting edema can include:
- elevating the swollen limb
- reducing your salt intake
- compression stockings, if the cause is chronic and a doctor recommends them
- diuretics, aka water pills, if the cause is heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease
- blood thinners, if the cause is DVT
- vascular surgery, in severe cases of venous insufficiency
Over time, your skin around the swelling may change and develop a “woody” appearance due to scarring. If the edema is from varicose veins, those may worsen.
Prolonged edema increases your risk of developing an infection in the swollen tissues, especially if there is skin cracking.
Staying active can help reduce your risk of edema. Avoid sitting for extended periods. If you work at a desk, set a timer to remind yourself to stand up and move around for a few minutes every hour.
Exercise encourages blood flow, which may help reduce swelling. However, talk with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Pitting edema is common, treatable, and reversible. It shouldn’t cause long-term problems, but it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious condition, like heart or kidney failure.
People with certain conditions, like heart disease or obesity, may be more likely to experience pitting edema. It’s also more common if you sit a lot or have a lot of salt in your diet. Pregnant people may also be more likely to experience pitting edema and should check in with their doctor to ensure it isn’t a sign of something more serious.