Treatment of oedema involves diagnosing and treating the condition responsible for causing the condition.
Your GP may prescribe diuretics. These increase your output of urine by raising the amount of water and sodium that your kidneys release. However, diuretics are not suitable if you are pregnant, or you have weakened valves in the veins of your legs (chronic venous insufficiency).
Your GP may also recommend some simple self-care techniques, to reduce the build up of fluid, such as:
- reducing your salt intake,
- losing weight (if you are overweight),
- taking regular exercise,
- raising your legs 3-4 times a day to improve your circulation,
- wearing support stockings,
- massaging the affected area, and
- taking regular breaks to stretch your legs when you are travelling.
