There was a message thread back in May on this topic, but I wanted to re-open a discussion to share my current situation as well as see if there are any new thoughts on the subject.

First of all, a little education on what edema is and some of the causes. Edema is also known simply as "swelling", which we have all experienced at some point in our lives from an injury.

"Pitting Edema" occurs when the tissue has become so swollen, that when you lightly push on the swollen area, a depression remains behind for a bit (longer than 5 seconds, or so). (Pedal Edema is simply a fancy way of saying "swelling of the feet"... feet = pedal (pee-dahl)).

The primary cause - and most alarming - is some form of "poor" circulation. The body simply cannot move the fluids around your system like it should, so the fluids will start to collect in low-lying areas such as the feet and ankles - kind of like filling up a water pitcher.

"Poor circulation" can be a result of heart failure, and the only way to be sure is to have a Doc run an EKG to take a look at heart function. Be sure to check the patient's medical history and risk factors for heart disease.

Common complaints from patients with poor circulation focus on feeling cold, even though it may be 80+ degrees.

Other causes can be renal (kidney) failure/disease, thyroid problems, lymphatic problems, or worse - a blood clot.

Blood clots (in the lower extremeties) are usually identified by unequal swelling - one foot/ankle will be larger than the other, or pain/redness associated in an area higher up on the leg. These can only be truely diagnosed by a Doc, who will usually oder an ultrasound to look at the affected area.

Some things to do at home: avoid high sodium/salty foods, cut down on beverages (be careful with that one, as you still need to hydrate!), exercise, and elevating the feet whenever possible. Again - be SURE to consult with a Doc, since elevating the feet and exercise isn't always the best thing on the planet for someone with cardiac problems!

Yesterday, my MIL consistantly put her feet on the floor while laying in bed. No matter how many times she was moved back, she would put her feet right back down again. That, coupled with her poor circulation, caused her feet to swell up pretty good today, resulting in Pitting Edema. I'm calling the Doc first thing in the morning and may be looking at a prescribed dieuretic (water pill) to help her get rid of the excess fluid, but we'll see.

Has anyone tried any "home remedies" that have worked? I'd be interested in hearing about them!

Anyway, I've rambled enough for now...

Always my best,

Chris

Chris,

My Dad is my Mom's primary caregiver and is troubled by swollen ankles daily. He has multiple medical issues (diabetic, high bp, pacemaker, prostate ca, etc.) He maintains a low salt diet, exercises 3 times a week and he takes lasix every day, but he has found that compression stockings make a big difference for him.

Afer my Mom's second hospitalzation for CHF last year, the nurse practitioner suggested that Mom wear compression stockings, but Mom wouldn't have any part of it. We asked the nurse if the stockings might help Dad's swollen ankles and she encouraged him to give them a try.

We went to our local drug store to get just one pair. Dad said it made such a big difference in how his ankles felt. The next day he asked me to go back to the drug store and get more. He now has a pair for each day of the week.

My mothers legs had pitting edema which was caused by gout arthritis.
Diagnosis.
Edema is a sign of an underlying problem, rather than a disease unto itself. A diagnostic explanation should be sought. Patient history and presenting symptoms, along with laboratory blood studies, if indicated, assist the health professional in determining the cause of the edema.
Treatment
Simple steps to lessen fluid build-up may include:
reducing sodium intake
maintaining proper weight
exercise
elevation of the legs
use of support stockings
massage
travel breaks
Nutritional Therapy
A naturopath or a nutritionist may recommend the following dietary changes:
Reduction of salt intake, including salty foods such as olives, soy sauce, or pickles. Cutting back the amount of sodium eaten may help reduce edema.
Limited use of alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and dairy products.
Increased consumption of whole grain foods, cucumbers, apples, potatoes, grapes, onions, cabbage, and oranges.
Daily vitamin and mineral supplements.
Herbal Therapy
Diuretic herbs can also help relieve edema. One of the best herbs for this purpose is dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum), since, in addition to its diuretic action, it is a rich source of potassium. (Diuretics flush potassium from the body, and it must be replaced to avoid potassium deficiency.)
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy using daily contrast applications of hot and cold (either compresses or immersion) may also be helpful.
Other Alternative Treatments
Other alternative therapies may also reduce edema. They include traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, juice therapy, and bodywork. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture have an elaborate diagnostic system to determine the pattern causing the edema. Thus treatment, if done correctly, results not only in the removal of fluid, but also with the correction of the problem.
Allopathic Treatment
The three "Ds"—diuretics, digitalis, and diet—are frequently prescribed for medical conditions that result in excess fluid volume. Diuretics are medications that promote urination of sodium and water. Digoxin is a digitalis preparation that is sometimes needed to decrease heart rate and increase the strength of the heart's contractions. One dietary recommendation includes less sodium in order to decrease fluid retention. Consideration of adequate protein intake is also made.
For patients with lymphedema, a combination of therapies may prove effective. Combined decongestive therapy includes the use of manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, garments and pumps, and physical therapy.
She ate cherries and the swelling went away far better than with the gout medication' Since not all edema is caused by gout I found the natural remedy for edema for you.
http://www.nativeremedies.com/...edema.html#question6
HUGS! Marcus

Excellent accurate information..
however be very careful with chinese herbs (or any herbs for that matter)as there isnt enough information (they are not regulated by the FDA, therefore not tested in clinical trials) regarding the side effects, I have had several patients where the "herbs" have caused irreversible kidney damage and the patient had to be placed on dialysis...did I say irreversible.... ALWAYS check with the MD prior to starting ANY herbal medicine.
AS stated compression hose will help, the patients legs should be measured for a proper fit, they should not roll as this can cause a constriction and changed daily to check to the condition of the legs and feet, after a bath they are difficult to put on, so sprinkle legs with corn starch or powder, avoid the genital areas esp on women as powder frequently causes a UTI, Also they are very expensive, another method of compression for the legs is to use mens dress socks (much cheaper but same effect)again they cannot roll and may have to be purchased in a 'big and tall" mens shop..
I hope my 2 cents helped
Kat