Peripheral Edema
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Elevate your legs when you lay down.SIESTA image by diego castillo from Fotolia.com
Take note of your daily practices. Take breaks from sitting or standing for long periods of time when you're at home, at work or driving. Get regular exercise and lose weight if you are overweight. Don't wear tight clothing, especially around your legs. Try support stockings to help blood return to your heart. Limit salt in your diet to reduce swelling. - 2
See your doctor if the changes you make don't help.relaxed doctor image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
Call your doctor if these changes don't reduce the swelling or if your urine volume decreases, you develop a fever or your feet or legs become reddened and warm.
Your doctor will ask you questions and take your medical history to determine the cause of your peripheral edema. You may undergo blood tests or a urinalysis and get X-rays or an electrocardiogram. In the Journal of the American Academy of Physician's Assistants, physician assistant Beth Schroth writes that thyroid hormone testing may also be helpful. - 3
Foods contain much of your required fluid intake.Grapes image by Kanisdha Buasri from Fotolia.com
Take diuretics if your doctor prescribes them. Take as prescribed and work with your doctor to determine an effective dosage. It may take some time to determine what dosage, type of diuretic or what combination of medications will work for you. Your doctor also may change your other medications. - 4
Learn to cook without added salt.Salt Shaker by Window image by kellykramer from Fotolia.com
See a dietitian to help reduce salt in your diet. A dietitian can teach you to change your cooking, eating and shopping habits, read labels and reduce fluid intake properly. Excess salt is a common culprit in peripheral edema. - 5
You may need regular oxygen therapy.medical oxygen tube image by Undy from Fotolia.com
Get regular oxygen therapy or continuous positive airway pressure if you have obstructive pulmonary disease or pulmonary hypertension, physician assistant Schroth recommends
