The most common place to see edema, or swelling, is in your feet, ankles, and lower legs. Edema is the result of fluid building up in your body. It can happen in any part of your body, but because of the effects of gravity, the fluid usually shows up as painless swelling in your lower extremities. Fluid in this area is called peripheral edema. The old name for edema was dropsy from the Greek word for water, hydrops. The word is no longer used in medicine, but descriptions of dropsy go back to the Ancient Egyptians.
"Bloodletting, either by venesection or by leaches, was a popular way to alleviate symptoms from dropsy… Its treatment options were scanty and were aimed to cause 'emptying of the system,' or to relieve fluid retention." —Journal of Cardiac Failure
Symptoms of Peripheral Edema
Today, medical providers no longer use the term dropsy, and they don't relieve edema by the old practice of bloodletting. Mild to moderate swelling in the lower legs is common with age and does not always mean you need to be treated by a medical professional.
Your legs may feel tight and heavy, and you may notice the skin over your lower legs becoming stretched and shiny. If you press gently on a swollen area for about 15 seconds and it leaves a dent, it is called "pitting edema," and you should let your medical provider know about it.
Common Causes of Peripheral Edema
As you get older, you are more likely to collect edema fluid in your lower legs, especially if you stand or sit for too long. You may notice tightness and swelling after a long flight or car trip. You may see "sock marks" when you take off shoes and socks after a long day. In most cases, these symptoms are nothing to worry about, but if edema is pitting (as described above) and doesn't clear up quickly, alert your medical provider.
Here are some more serious causes of peripheral edema:
Venous insufficiency.
This happens when the veins in your legs have become weakened and can't return blood to your heart quickly enough.
Congestive heart failure.
This is the most common cause of severe peripheral edema. Congestive heart failure occurs when your heart is not pumping well enough to keep blood moving through your system – this results in fluid being trapped in the extremities.
Other diseases.
Diseases of the lungs, liver, kidney, and thyroid can all cause a buildup of fluid that leads to peripheral edema.
Medications.
Some types of antidepressant drugs and blood pressure medications can cause edema. If you are taking any of these types of medications and you have edema, talk to your medical provider about it.
What You Can Do About Peripheral Edema
For mild cases of edema,, there are several things you can do for yourself, including:
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Avoid standing or sitting too long. Get up and move around to promote good blood flow.
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If you have to sit or stand, wear support stockings. These stockings are available in most drug stores and online.
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Elevate your legs as much as possible. When lying down, put a knee wedge pillow under your legs to elevate them above your heart. Consider sitting in a chair that elevates your legs for you, like a recliner.
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Avoid too much salt in your diet. Ask your doctor about salt restriction and following a low-salt diet like DASH.
If peripheral edema persists despite these interventions, see your medical provider. They will treat any underlying conditions causing the edema. The most common medication used to treat edema is a diuretic, sometimes called a "water pill."
Warning Signs for Seniors and Caregivers
Edema fluid can also start to collect in your lungs, which is a dangerous stage of congestive heart failure. If you feel short of breath (sometimes noticed when walking or when lying flat) or have chest pain, call your medical provider immediately or 911.
Call your medical provider right away if you have any of these warning signs:
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Fever, redness, swelling, warmth, or pain in your leg, which could be symptoms of a clot or infection
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Any sudden increase in edema, decreased urination, or accumulation of edema fluid in your belly
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Any injury to the skin over a swollen leg—these areas are easily infected and take longer to heal
Peripheral edema becomes more common with age, and in many cases, you can control occasional edema with home care. But persistent peripheral edema can be a sign of a serious disease like congestive heart failure that needs to be treated. If in doubt, call your medical provider. Complications from edema can often be avoided with early recognition and treatment.
Find Peripheral Edema Comfort and Support with Parentgiving
Understanding peripheral edema is the first step towards finding relief. If you're experiencing persistent swelling in your legs or ankles, consult with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options.
For practical solutions to manage discomfort and promote circulation, Parentgiving offers a range of products designed to support both patients and caregivers, including compression socks, support cushions, and mobility aids. Shop now and take the first step towards relief.
Reviewed By: Katie Pescatello
Katie Pescatello, RN, MSN, FNP-C Katie Pescatello earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Simmons University, where she also taught pharmacology in the Master's program for several years. She has worked as a nurse practitioner in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. She is passionate about providing individuals with the tools to make informed decisions. While working as a Hospitalist in several Boston area hospitals, she enjoys writing health content for several online publications, focusing on aging in place and preserving dignity at the end of life. She also acts as a content reviewer for Parentgiving.com.
