Any accumulation of fluid under the skin leads to edema. The swelling can be constrained to one area of the body like ankles, knees and feet. At times, it can also include the whole body. The treatment for edema can only be prescribed depending on the cause of the condition. Edema that has no identified cause is known as idiopathic edema. The other conditions can result from heart or circulatory problems.

People suffering from edema might find their finger rings becoming tighter or towards the end of the day they might find it difficult to put out their feet on their shoes. A general puffiness on the face, around the eyes, ankles and feet and in the legs can also be noticed. Wearing something tight when edema is present can leave a mark on the skin that disappears gradually. It is very important to notify the doctor if you observe any of these symptoms so that any underlying disease can be identified and proper treatment can be started.

For treating edema there are a number of medications available. There are a number of over the counter drugs like ammonium chloride and caffeine that can be used for alleviating the symptoms of edema if taken five to six days prior to menstrual cycle. If the edema is severe then it requires medical attention. Edema is treated through prescription drugs like diuretics. A common treatment that manages the underlying condition is controlled by nutrition, as inadequate nutrition might be a cause for it. In some of the cases physicians might suggest a salt-restricted diet. Making dietary changes like restricting the salt content might have a considerable effect.

If the edema has an effect on one limb, then it is important to keep the limb elevated whenever possible. This helps the fluid to drain out from the area where it is accumulated. Also, to avoid such incidences people should avoid sitting or standing in a place for a long time. There are also several nutritional supplements that can be helpful. There are also several home remedies that can be used to get relief from edema. Some of these home remedies include:

• Applying of warm mustard oil on the area that is affected.

• Soak two tablespoons of mustard seeds in water and apply the solution on the affected area.

• You can also apply apple cider vinegar to remove the excess fluid.

• High content of carbohydrates should be avoided and there should be inclusion of more lean protein.

• If there is a swelling on the legs then stretch the legs out and raise them to a level so that you can get relief from swollen feet.

• Exercising on a regular basis and staying physically active can reduce incidences of fluid retention in the body.

• Try and increase fluid intake. If the body remains dehydrated for a long time it can lead to retention of fluids.

• Getting a good massage can also prevent fluid retention.

If none of these treatments are of help, then it is important that you consult your doctor for further diagnosis of any underlying problem.

Rick Missimer

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