Edema: what is it and how do you deal with it?

Edema is a common problem that can cause discomfort and even pain. Whether you suffer from swollen ankles at the end of the day, swelling after an injury, or a chronic condition such as lymphedema: edema can significantly impact your daily life.

Fortunately, there are ways to relieve edema – and compression stockings play an important role in this.

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What is edema?

Edema is an accumulation of fluid in the body, usually just under the skin. It occurs when fluid leaks from blood or lymphatic vessels into the surrounding tissue. This leads to swelling, often in the legs, ankles, feet, or hands.


There are different types of edema, including:
• Peripheral edema: swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Lymphedema: edema due to a disrupted lymphatic system
• Venous edema: due to poor vein function
• Post-traumatic edema: after an injury or surgery
• Edema in lipedema: a combination of fat and fluid accumulation


Symptoms of edema

• Visible swelling (especially at the end of the day)
• A heavy or tight feeling in the legs or arms
• Fatigue when standing or walking
• Indentations in the skin that temporarily remain ("pitting")
• Tight or shiny skin

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What can you do about edema?

Treatment depends on the cause, but general tips include:
• Exercise: walking or cycling helps the muscle pump and stimulates fluid drainage
• Limiting prolonged standing or sitting
• Elevating body parts at rest
• Compression therapy

The role of compression stockings

Compression stockings are a proven aid in the treatment of edema. They apply controlled pressure to the legs, which:
• Stimulates the return flow of blood and lymph
• Reduces or prevents swelling
• Makes the legs feel lighter and less painful
• More efficiently supports muscle activity

Products in this blog

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Waarom Herzog PRO Compressiekousen?

De Herzog PRO Compressiekousen zijn ontwikkeld met de actieve gebruiker in gedachten, maar bieden ook bij medische klachten zoals oedeem veel voordelen. Ze:
• Bieden stevige medische drukklasse (klasse 2)
• Hebben een perfecte anatomische pasvorm – geen afknelling of afzakkende kousen, gebaseerd op 6 opmeetpunten
• Ondersteunen actief herstel bij bijvoorbeeld veneus oedeem of postoperatief vocht
• Zijn zeer geschikt voor gebruik tijdens wandelen, werk of sport

Oedeem kan een vervelende en beperkende klacht zijn, maar met de juiste aanpak is er veel winst te behalen. Of je nu dagelijks lichte zwelling ervaart of te maken hebt met een medische vorm van oedeem: compressiekousen kunnen een wereld van verschil maken.


De Herzog PRO Compressiekousen bieden niet alleen verlichting, maar stimuleren ook actief herstel en dragen bij aan een betere kwaliteit van leven. Of je nu werkt, sport of gewoon een wandeling maakt – met de juiste compressie blijf je in beweging, op jouw tempo.

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