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What Are the Causes of Edema in Legs?

Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in part of the body, which in turn causes swelling in that body part. The ankles, feet and legs are most commonly affect by edema. The calves and thighs of the legs can be affected as well. This is called peripheral edema. Older adults and pregnant women are high risk for edema.

  1. Congestive Heart Failure

    • Congestive heart failure can cause edema in the legs. This is a dangerous condition and requires medical care. Failure of the left side of the heart causes fluid to build up in the lungs. When the right side fails, excess fluid causes the legs to swell.

    Chronic Lung Conditions

    • Chronic lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cause kidney or liver failure. Without either one of these organs functioning properly the body has a limited way of excreting fluids. These fluids tend to accumulate in the lowest points in the body including the legs.

    Poor Circulatory System

    • Chronic venous insufficiency causes a failure in pressure to push the fluid up and out of the legs. Blood and fluid travels down into the legs and becomes trapped inside. Blood clots, leg infections and varicose veins can also cause edema.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Allergic reactions can cause swelling in several parts of the body. Insect stings and food allergies can trigger this reaction. The body reacts adversely to the histamines that are released. If the swelling encompasses the entire body, it can cause the inability to breathe.

    Side Effects of Medication

    • Certain medications can cause edema. These include calcium channel-blockers for high blood pressure, steroids and antidepressants. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen that reduces swelling can occasionally have the reverse affect in some people.

    Other Causes

    • Standing or sitting for long periods of time can decrease circulation pressure and cause edema in the legs. Shift positions every hour to prevent this. A diet with too much sodium will cause the body to retain fluid. This fluid is often stored in the feet, ankles and legs. Pregnancy can put pressure on the vena cava, which is the major blood vessel that returns blood from the legs to the heart, as the uterus grows to accommodate the developing fetus.

    Emergency Help

    • Seek emergency medical help as soon as possible if you are suddenly short of breath, have chest pain and experience swelling in your legs or abdomen. This includes a weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds in one day and have little or no urine output. These are all symptoms that you have something more than typical edema. Contact your care provider immediately if your legs swell and you have liver disease or are pregnant.

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