Peripheral edema, commonly referred to as swelling of the feet, is the result of excess fluid build up in the muscles and tissues of the legs. Gravity naturally pulls fluid towards to the lower extremities and as people age, blood vessels lose elasticity, resulting in excess amounts of fluid accumulating in the interstitial space. Peripheral edema may also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, liver disease or heart failure.
Nephrotic Syndrome
According to Medline Plus, nephrotic syndrome is a medical condition caused by various underlying disorders that damage the kidney, primarily the glomerulus, the kidney's primary filtration capillary. Systemic conditions, such as diabetes and lupus, in addition to infections, such as mononucleosis can damage and impair the kidney's ability to filter protein resulting in the excretion of excess amounts of proteins. Edema is commonly associated with nephrotic symptom and it may occur in the face, legs, feet and ankles. Treatment for nephrotic syndrome is aimed at managing the associated symptoms and delaying the progressive kidney damage.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a medical condition characterized by an inability of the heart to efficiently pump blood and meet the body's requirements. Diseases, such as coronary artery disease, results in the buildup of cholesterol plaques in the arteries thereby narrowing them and impairing the heart's ability to receive and pump blood. According to Mayoclinic.com, symptoms commonly associated with heart failure include swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat and loss of appetite. Medications, such as metoprolol, captopril and candesartan, are prescribed to manage the symptoms of heart failure. Lifestyle changes, such as exercising, decreasing salt intake and incorporating a healthy diet, can also help in managing heart disease.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a chronic lung disease characterized by the progressive damage and inflammation of the air sacs or alveoli of the lungs. In emphysema, the lungs lose their elasticity and are unable to properly shrink after exhalation. This results in a decrease in the amount of air inhaled and amount of oxygen transported in the blood to the cells and organs. The damage and destruction of the alveoli and surrounding tissue results in fluid build up in the lungs. Symptoms commonly associated with emphysema are insomnia, shortness of breath, excessive production of mucus and swelling of the legs, feet and ankles.
