Edema Treatment
Edema Treatment
- Compression Stockings – improve circulation in the lower legs. They help the tissues flush excess fluid away and prevent future buildup and swollen legs.
- Exercise –moving swollen legs will flush excess fluid and provides leg edema treatment.
- Elevation – raising swollen legs above the heart will allow gravity to help recovery.
Edema Symptoms
- Swollen legs
- Swollen and tender ankles, feet, calves
- Heavy, tired, or achy feeling in the legs
- Pain while walking or shortly after stopping movement
- Applied pressure leaves an indentation
Edema Causes and Risk Factors
- High blood pressure
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Venous insufficiency
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Phlebitis
- Pregnancy
- Eating too much salty foods
- High sodium intake
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Explaining Edema
What is Edema (Swollen Legs & Feet)?
Edema is the buildup of excess fluid in body tissue, resulting in swelling of that body part. Often, mild swelling from an injury or infection is part of the healing process. But, chronic swelling can be a sign of serious health conditions that need attention.
Chronic swollen legs can be a symptom of a circulatory disease such as deep vein thrombosis or chronic venous insufficiency. Swollen legs can also be an early sign of heart and kidney disease.
Leg edema is a recognized symptom of many serious conditions. You should see a medical professional if swelling in your legs is not related to a minor injury or infection.