As defined by Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, edema means swelling caused by trapped fluid within the body's tissues. Edema occurs most often in the feet, ankles and legs, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Identifying the underlying cause of edema assists in constructing a proper treatment plan. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors may recommend one or more self-care measures and home remedies to help remove excess fluid within patients' body tissues and ultimately effectively treat edema.
Massage & Elevation
According to the Mayo Clinic, massage and elevation can help relieve edema by helping lymph nodes drain. People should massage their infected edema limb towards their heart to help move excess fluid out of that area. People should use firm but not painful pressure.
Edema suffers should also hold their edema limb above the level of their heart for at least 30 minutes three or four times a day, according to the Mayo Clinic. While keeping the limb elevated people may also want to try contrast hydrotherapy, involving alternating hot and cold applications. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends alternating three minutes of a hot application towel with one minute of a cold application towel to the swollen area. The Medical Center recommends repeating this process three times to complete one set and to do approximately two to three sets per day.
Exercise
Exercising and moving the muscles in the part of the body affected with edema may help pump excess fluid back to the heart, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American College of Sports Medicine states that the Surgeon General recommends exercising five to six days a week at moderate intensity for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Moderate intensity modes of exercise include walking, biking and swimming. Exercise not only helps to reduce the amount of edema found within limbs, but also provides people with cardiovascular benefits. However, people with known cardiovascular, pulmonary or metabolic disorders should speak with a physician before beginning an exercise program.
Nutrition
The University of Maryland Medical Center lists ways people can control their edema through diet. The center states that people should eliminate suspected food allergens, such as dairy, wheat, soy, corn, etc. from their diet and should also substitute red meat with leaner meat. Additionally individuals should try to incorporate more cold water fish, tofu and beans into their daily meals. The University of Maryland Medical Center continues by also suggesting to incorporate more foods high in B-vitamins, iron and antioxidants into one's diet, while closely monitoring the amount of dietary salt intake. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center these nutritional guidelines can help relieve edema.
Compression Stockings, Sleeves or Gloves
People with edema may benefit from compression stockings, sleeves or gloves, according to the Mayo Clinic. Compression stockings, sleeves or gloves can be found at most pharmacies and medical supply stores and help to promote circulation and fluid movement. They work by steadily squeezing limbs to prevent fluid from collecting in the tissue and helps veins and legs muscles move blood more efficiently back to the heart.
The amount of time people should wear compression stockings, sleeves or gloves varies. Some people wear these items all day, while others wear them only for a few hours. Edema suffers should consult their doctors to understand the best time frame to wear these items for their condition.
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