What Are the Treatments for Swelling Legs?

Fluid retention resulting in swelling, called edema, is most often is seen in the feet, ankles and lower legs, although it can occur in any part of the body. Edema in the legs is a common problem, caused by many factors such as aging, high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues and pregnancy. Several treatments can help.

Leg Elevation

• The first step for treating swelling legs is to elevate them above your heart. You can do this by sitting in a recliner, or by lying down and placing your legs on a stack of pillows or specially-designed wedges created for this purpose.

Exercise

• Regular exercise, including walking, also is important for people experiencing swelling legs. Exercising helps the muscles pump excess fluid out of the legs. Additionally, if you have edema, you should avoid standing in one place for long periods of time or sitting for a long time with your legs down. Although your work environment may require this, it's good to stretch and walk around a bit at least every hour. Traveling is another time to remember the importance of not sitting for several hours straight.

Clothing Considerations

• Support stockings and socks are available at drugstores and medical supply stores in different pressure gradients and lengths. You can purchase them over-the-counter or have them tailor-made. Additionally, it's best to avoid wearing tight clothing around your thighs.

Diet

• Although it may seem counter-intuitive, drinking plenty of water can help prevent episodes of edema. With adequate water intake, the body will not be as likely to retain fluid. You also should follow a low-salt diet, because salt causes fluid retention and swelling. Being overweight also can lead to swelling legs.

Medication

• If necessary, you can take a diuretic, but it's important not to take these drugs on a continual basis, since they may aggravate the problem. Using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy also can cause leg swelling, so you may need to avoid these medications. Leg swelling can be a sign of high blood pressure, so be sure to get your blood pressure checked and do what is necessary to reduce it if appropriate, including implementing diet changes and taking medicine.

Medical Attention

• Prompt medical attention is important when leg swelling occurs with certain other symptoms. These include shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, decreased urination or fever. If you have a history of liver disease, leg swelling might indicate liver dysfunction. If only one leg is swollen, that may be a sign of a blood clot. If the swollen leg is red or feels warm or hot, or conversely, is abnormally pale and feels cool, this also calls for medical attention.