Swelling might occur after you’ve sat still for a long time, like during a plane ride. If you experience edema after something like this, try walking around a little to make the fluid drain away from your legs. If you’re not mobile, try just standing up and walking in place a few times throughout the day. Even this little bit of motion could help.

Elevating your legs while you sleep helps a lot, too. Put some pillows under your feet or elevate the foot of your bed a little with wood blocks or thick books.

Be careful if you have blisters or abrasions on your legs. Edema could make your skin more susceptible to injuries, so use very light pressure on any injured spots. Use lighter pressure if you feel any pain when you press down. The massage should not be painful.

Applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer after washing can prevent your skin from drying out and cracking. Use a soft sponge and don’t scrub your legs hard. Your skin is weaker and could break.

Common suggestions for a low-salt diet range from 1,500 to 2,300 mg of salt daily. Speak with your doctor about the ideal range for you. [6] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Try to cut out processed foods and reduce how much you eat at restaurants. These foods are usually packed with salt. Foods that come in a can are often very high in salt as well. Replace salt with other seasonings when you cook at home. Certain types of pepper and other spices can keep your food tasting delicious while cutting down on your salt intake.

Drinking 8-10 glasses is just a guideline, and you probably need more if you exercise or the weather is hot. Always drink enough so you don’t feel thirsty and your urine is a light yellow color. You can also have juices or other drinks, but try to limit the number of sugary drinks you have. Plain water or seltzer is best.

Many of the steps you’ll take to lose weight will also help prevent further edema. Eating healthy, drinking enough fluids, and staying active help you lose weight and keep your body fluids circulating properly.

You can also use compression stockings for varicose veins to help blood flow throughout your body rather than having it pool in your feet. Compression stockings are usually only used when the swelling has already subsided, so don’t use them while you currently have edema unless your doctor tells you to. If you’re prone to edema, put your compression stockings on before you know you’ll be staying still for a long time, like on a flight. Use caution if you’re wearing compression stockings and have edema from heart failure since they can increase the blood volume to your chest and cause acute heart failure.

If your leg swelling comes with chest pains or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical help right away. This could be a serious condition.

Diuretics come in pill or IV form. The doctor may give you an initial dose with an IV and then send you home with a pill prescription. Avoid using diuretics solely for leg swelling since it can lower your blood pressure and could lead to hypotension and electrolyte changes. Your doctor may always want to try some home remedies like elevation before giving you medications. Don’t be surprised if they send you home to try these first. Keep your doctor informed on whether or not these are working.

Some medications that are known to cause edema are antidepressants, blood pressure drugs that are calcium channel blockers like amlodipine, hormones like testosterone and estrogen, and steroids like prednisone. Never stop taking any medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Conditions that commonly cause edema are kidney or liver problems, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and autoimmune disorders.