It is important to note that edema is a characterized as the swelling of a particular body part due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues. This condition can occur in any part of the body but it commonly occurs in the lower legs, ankles and feet. Always remember that edema can be triggered by an abrupt elevation in the blood pressure or can be a symptom of heart diseases. In most cases, leg edema can occur without any cause. If the legs of an individual are swollen, there are certain measures that can be done to help alleviate the symptoms.
Positioning of the individual
When it comes to leg edema, the initial first aid care is to elevate the legs. Always remember that the swelling in the legs and feet tends to worsen at the end of the day or when the individual spent extended periods of walking or sitting. By elevating the affected leg, the gravity is allowed to pull out the fluid out from the affected tissue so that it will eventually circulate throughout the body.
The leg must be raised for 30 minutes at a time for 3-4 times in a day to help minimize the swelling on the affected body part. You can boost the circulation in the area and increase the effect of elevation by performing a gentle massage on the limbs using body oil or lotion. As part of the RICE method, elevation has been used to help reduce the swelling of any body part due to soft tissue injuries. If you want to learn more about the effectiveness of elevation on other related injuries, you can register in a first aid course.
Compression
Leg edema can be treated and prevented if the individual will wear compression socks. You can easily find one in the market or purchase one online. These compression socks are readily available in various lengths that range from mid-calf up to full pantyhose. These socks work by minimizing the swelling in the affected area.
Diet
If the individual is at risk for fluid retention, it is important to consider steps to minimize or reduce the sodium intake through his/her daily diet. Always remember that excessive salt can cause an imbalance in the fluid level by preventing the water in the body from being eliminated by the kidneys.
The ideal way to promote the processing of the sodium in the body, encourage the individual to drink plenty of water. Water works by diluting the urine, allowing the salt to be fully diluted. For those who do not prefer water, a cup of tea also works specifically parsley tea. This is tea is known for its mild diuretic effect and will increase the output of the kidneys and helps in the removal of excess fluids from the body. There are also other herbal teas that can provide the similar effect.