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What is the Best Edema Treatment?

Amy Hunter
Amy Hunter

The term edema refers to swelling in the body due to fluid retention. The swelling can be restricted to one area of the body, such as the ankles, or can include the entire body. The best edema treatment depends a great deal on what is causing the fluid to build up in the tissues. Sometimes, this condition has no known cause, called idiopathic edema, but it can also be the result of heart and circulatory problems.

One of the first treatments recommended for edema is to reduce the level of salt in the diet. Reducing the sodium in the patient's diet may be all that is necessary for the edema to resolve itself. It is also possible to reduce sodium levels in the body by the use of prescription diuretics. If a medical professional prescribes diuretics, he will monitor the patient carefully to prevent side effects of the medication.

Reducing sodium in one's diet can help relieve edema.
Reducing sodium in one's diet can help relieve edema.

An frequently effective treatment that does not require medication is daily bed rest. This is particularly effective if the swelling is present only in the legs, and lying with the feet slightly elevated can often provide relief. Some healthcare professionals also provide elastic support stockings for patients who are suffering from edema.

There are a variety of herbal treatments and vitamin supplements that can be used to treat edema. Their effectiveness varies with the individual, and it is important for patients not to take any herbal supplements without discussing it with a medical professional first. It is particularly important for people who are taking prescription diuretics or are suffering from heart failure-induced edema to tell their healthcare providers about any medications or supplements they are taking.

Wearing support stockings can help with edema.
Wearing support stockings can help with edema.

Magnesium is a mineral supplement that shows promise for reducing edema. It can be purchased on its own, or as part of a multivitamin. This mineral is bulky, however, so it is uncommon to find a multivitamin that has 100% of the recommended daily amount of magnesium in it.

Evening primrose oil is a rich source of gamma linolenic acid, which may work as an edema treatment for some people. Some researchers believe that evening primrose oil’s effectiveness is increased by combining it with fish oil supplements. This combination is considered particularly effective for treatment of fluid retention that is associated with premenstrual syndrome.

The foot of a person with edema.
The foot of a person with edema.

Ginko biloba is an herbal supplement that is believed to support circulatory health. Its positive effect on the circulatory system is believed to decrease fluid accumulation associated with edema. Another herbal supplement, horse chestnut, is also believed to support circulatory health as well as prevent capillaries from leaking fluid into the surrounding tissue. Dandelion leaf, a diuretic, is also used by some patients, but people taking prescription diuretics should not use it.

Discussion Comments

anon340489

The best thing for the liver to detox is by using high strength Milk Thistle -- the higher, the better. I have to go back on to this myself and know that it is one of the best liver cleansers there is.

anon155569

my dad is suffering from liver cancer and these days he is getting foot and stomach side edema. The doctor did remove water from his body but i want to know what is the best way. I need other options.

medicchristy

@anon76410: Leg massages are also very helpful with the edema. Keep your legs elevated during the massage. The person massaging should only rub your legs in the direction of your heart. Start at the feet and massage gently and then firmly. Do this for about 20 minutes on each leg.

cmsmith10

@anon76410: My mother has edema in her legs. She had a physical therapist come out and show her some good exercises to reduce the swelling. One of them is pumping the feet up and down as tolerated. Also, when you stand, go up and down on your toes. Walking is one of the best exercises for leg edema.

Be sure to decrease your salt intake, as well.

anon76410

I am suffering from a minor ligament injury past two years but now it has turned into an leg edema. My doctor has prescribed me a steroid called Defcort 6. But there has been negligible improvement. also it is impossible for me to take complete bed rest as i am working so i do walk a little.

Please give some suggestions that i can apply on an individual level for example any exercises? and if Defcort 6 is the right medicine?

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    • Reducing sodium in one's diet can help relieve edema.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Reducing sodium in one's diet can help relieve edema.
    • Wearing support stockings can help with edema.
      By: nito
      Wearing support stockings can help with edema.
    • The foot of a person with edema.
      By: Dusan Kostic
      The foot of a person with edema.
    • Evening primrose oil capsules, which can help with edema.
      By: Sun Jeng Tan
      Evening primrose oil capsules, which can help with edema.
    • A possible edema treatment, the fatty oil of the evening primrose flowering plant has been used as an herbal remedy since the 1930s.
      By: Maxim Loskutnikov
      A possible edema treatment, the fatty oil of the evening primrose flowering plant has been used as an herbal remedy since the 1930s.