Peripheral edema Peripheral edema Peripheral edema is edema (accumulation of fluid causing swelling) in tissues perfused by the peripheral vascular system, usually in the lower limbs. In the most dependent parts of the body (those hanging distally), it may be called dependent edema. The condition is commonly associated with aging, but can be caused by many other conditions, including congestive heart failure, renal failure, liver cirrhosis, portal hypertention, trauma, alcoholism, altitude sickness, pregnancy, hypertension, sickle cell anemia, compromised lymphatic system, or merely long periods of time sitting or standing without moving. Some medicines (e.g. amlodipine, pregabalin) may also cause or worsen the
Edema person lie down in bed or sit with the feet propped up on cushions. Intermittent pneumatic compression can be used to pressurize tissue in a limb, forcing fluids – both blood and lymph – to flow out of the pressurized area. Treatment of persistent edemas, such as idiopathic bilateral lymphedema, may also use manual lymphatic drainage, a low-pressure massage technique designed to pump lymphatic fluid by a similar mechanism. Edema Edema, also spelled oedema or œdema, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitium, located beneath the skin and in the cavities of the body, which can cause severe