Peripheral edema is swelling in the extremities, commonly affecting the legs and feet, caused by fluid accumulation. It can be caused by aging, circulation problems, inflammation, medication, and other medical conditions. Treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause.
Peripheral edema refers to swelling of the extremities of the body. It most commonly affects the legs and feet. The direct cause of edema is the accumulation of fluid within the tissue of the affected body parts. There are many underlying causes that can produce this result.
One of the most common causes of peripheral edema is old age. Aging is also associated with a number of more specific causes. These include varicose veins and other circulation problems in the legs. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause edema via inflammation. Sitting or standing without moving for an extended period of time can be enough to cause this condition.
Other potential causes include burns, bites or stings, clots, infections, and lymph blockages. Swelling can result from any changes in fluid or tissue pressure in the legs, including inflammation, blood vessel pressure, lymph pressure, and other changes. All of these factors combine with the effect of gravity, which explains why the legs and feet are the most common targets of edema.
Hormones associated with pregnancy and menstruation, also found in various medications, can induce the condition in some women. There are other medications that can cause the condition as well, especially blood pressure medications and steroids. Some types of antidepressants can cause peripheral edema. These include monoamine oxidase and tricyclic inhibitors, but not selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Peripheral edema is a common side effect of other more serious medical conditions. Emphysema reduces the body’s ability to take in oxygen through the lungs and can cause swelling of the legs and feet. Liver, heart, kidney and bladder problems can have similar effects. Altitude sickness, which results from extreme changes in pressure, can cause peripheral and other edema. If a person develops this condition that has no obvious cause and doesn’t go away after moving, they should probably see a doctor.
There are a few ways to reduce swelling caused by transient or temporary peripheral edema. Raising the legs to drain some of the fluid is a good idea, unless the edema is from a venomous bite. Also, try to consume less salt and move your legs. Because this condition has so many different causes, successful treatment will largely depend on diagnosing its particular source. Persistent or recurrent edema can independently cause neuropathic damage.
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