Peripheral edema, also known as the gradual swelling of the legs, is caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluids in the lower extremities. According to MedlinePlus, prolonged standing, pregnancy and certain medications can result in fluid build up in the tissues of the leg, feet and ankles. Elevating the legs above the heart, wearing a support stocking and anti-inflammatory medications can help decrease the swelling of legs and ankles.
Standing or Sitting
Prolonged standing or sitting in an airplane or automobile can result in peripheral edema, notes MedlinePlus. Gravity naturally pulls bodily fluids to the lower extremities, thereby standing or sitting for a prolonged period of time further pulls fluid from the blood vessels into the legs and ankles.
Peripheral edema caused by prolonged standing or sitting can be prevented by shifting position and talking walks to help normalize blood flow and reduce the accumulation of fluid in the legs and feet. Increased fluid intake, decreased salt intake and elevating the legs above heart level are also helpful in preventing swelling of the extremities.
Pregnancy
According to Mayoclinic.com, swelling of the legs and ankles are symptoms commonly associated with pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body produces and retains more fluid, resulting in the edema commonly observed in pregnant women. Furthermore, during pregnancy the growing uterus and fetus applies pressure on the veins, impairing blood flow and the return of blood to the heart.
Increased pressure on the veins results in fluid leakage and subsequent edema, reports MayoClinic.com. Pregnant women are advised to stay off their feet as much as possible, elevate their legs when sitting and wear loose-fitting clothes to help minimize swelling of legs and ankles.
Diseases
Peripheral edema may be the symptom of an underlying medical condition such as kidney or liver disease, heart failure, deep vein thrombosis or thyroid disease. Deep vein thrombosis is a medical condition characterized by blood clots in a major vein in the leg or pelvic area.
According to Netdoctor, symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling of the ankles, discoloration of the legs and localized pain and tenderness. This can be extremely dangerous if the blood clot moves from the periphery to the heart and is circulated to the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism.
