How is Lower Extremity Swelling Treated?

There are many factors that can contribute to edema, including high blood pressure, diabetes and being overweight.

We recommend several simple, conservative measures to help treat swelling in the lower extremities. One of the most effective ways is elevating your legs and feet above the level of your heart for 15 minutes three times a day.

We also recommend wearing compression stockings every day. In most cases, we suggest compression stockings that provide 30 mmHg of compression.

Following a low-sodium diet is also important. We recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day.

These conservative measures can help improve edema. It is also very important to keep your blood pressure under good control.