Leg Swelling/Edema

What Causes Edema?

Edema is caused a malfunction of the lymphatic system called lymphedema. In patients with lymphedema, lymph fluid builds up in the soft tissue, causing swelling. Poor circulation caused by vascular disease contributes to edema, making it difficult for the body to move fluid out of the legs. Some underlying vascular conditions trigger edema are:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – A serious condition in which a blood clot forms deep inside leg veins. If left untreated, the clot can travel through the body, causing an embolism. If edema is caused by DVT, the swelling will likely only occur in one leg, not both.
• Thrombophlebitis – Blood clots form in blood vessels near the surface of the skin
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) – Valves in veins malfunction and blood flow stops working properly, causing blood to pool and veins to swell.

When edema is due to vascular disease, treating the veins can reduce swelling and discomfort.

Can Edema Be Reduced?

It is important to understand the cause of edema, so visiting a vascular specialist for a diagnosis is the first step. If vascular disease is an underlying factor leg swelling, physicians will recommend a treatment plan. The first line of treatment may be a conservative approach, but for more severe cases and conditions, minimally invasive vein interventions may be required to improve circulation and reduce edema.

Some additional steps include:

• Elevating legs above the heart, with gravity helping to improve circulation
• Living a healthy lifestyle and improving overall health
• Regular exercise, to help legs release fluid
• Reducing salt in the diet
• Losing weight
• Prescribed medications to reduce swelling
• Compression stockings
• Lymph drainage massage and exercises