Patient was instructed on leg edema. The body needs the right amount of blood flow to keep the heart pumping, the legs moving and the brain functioning. Blood circulation, the movement of blood throughout the body, is clearly crucial to the existence, and poor leg circulation can cause many problems, such as leg edema or leg swelling.
Patient was instructed on leg edema. Swollen feet and legs, referred to medically as leg edema, occur when fluid is retained in the spaces between body cells. As leg edema typically affects the feet, ankles and lower legs, but can also impact any areas of the body, causing systemic symptoms.
Patient was instructed on symptoms of leg edema. If having leg edema feet and legs will initially appear swollen as the day progresses. After a period of time, however, the swelling will set in first thing in the morning and worsen throughout the day. Over time other symptoms will develop: High blood pressure, headaches, increased urination, palpitations, swollen hands and/or wrists, puffy eyes, weight gain.
Patient was instructed on relieving and preventing leg edema. The first line of defense is: leg elevation. Elevate legs above the level of the heart which puts minimal pressure on the back of the knees and thighs and lower back. Other help to decrease swelling is limiting salt intake, drink plenty of water, avoid sitting with the feet dependent. Do not abuse diuretics and laxatives.
Patient was instructed on what cause leg edema. It can be caused by a serious condition of the kidney, heart, liver or blood vessels, but many other factors can contribute to its onset, including: abusing drugs, sodium retention, varicose veins and history of phlebitis, allergic reactions, neuromuscular disorders, trauma.