low sodium diet
Leg edema
SN instructed patient / caregiver on the home treatment to treating edema, or swelling due to excess fluid in the legs and ankles. Treatment may include elevating the feet above heart level, wearing compression stockings and exercising the legs. Reducing sodium in the diet, losing weight and avoiding tight clothing can also reduce swelling.
SN Instructed on measures to detect and alleviate edema: Gently compress the soft tissue with your thumb over both shins for a few minutes and observe for indentation. If indention is noted, edema is present. Notify SN or Md if there is a deep indention. Reduce sodium (Na) in diet and exercise as tolerated to help reduce edema.
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.