Pitting Edema Explained . In this photo, I’m pressing my thumb into the lower leg of a patient recovering from knee surgery. Notice how the indentation stays for a few seconds before slowly filling back in — that’s called pitting edema. . Pitting edema is swelling caused by fluid buildup under the skin, often seen after surgery or when circulation is reduced. It’s common after a total knee replacement, especially if you’ve been sitting or standing for long periods. . The good news — movement, el

Do you have pitting edema? Here’s how to tell | Dr. Jen Caudle

Unilateral leg swelling with pitting edema, where pressure on the swollen area leaves an indentation, is often caused by issues with venous or lymphatic drainage in the affected leg. Common culprits include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency, and lymphedema, which can be primary or secondary to other conditions. Other potential causes include infections like cellulitis, or conditions like chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS). 1. Venous Issues: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A