The therapy of leg swelling (“leg edema”) depends on the cause:
- Acute erysipelas → see below of the disease of the same name.
- Acute leg vein thrombosis – see below of the eponymous disease.
- Lymphedema – see below of the eponymous disease.
- U.s.w.
General measures
- For physiological edema (caused by prolonged standing or sitting):
- In the evening or in between every now and then put your feet up
- Change the position distributed throughout the day
- Walk or move a lot
- Incorporate strengthening exercises in everyday life
- Kneipp’s castings, treading water
- Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use) – cell and vascular toxin.
- Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day) – cell and vascular toxin.
- Aim for normal weight! Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
- BMI ≥ 25 → participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
- Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on leg swelling/cause of leg swelling (drug-induced edema).
Physical therapy (including physiotherapy)
- Complex physical decongestive therapy (CPD) with the following components (depending on the indication – see below):
- Manual lymphatic drainage (ML) [for: chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, edema (water retention)].
- Compression stockings/compressive bandages [for: chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, post-thrombotic syndrome, thrombophlebitis, varices (varicose veins)]
- Decongestive movement / respiratory therapy [for: lymphedema]
- Skin care of the stressed skin [for: lymphedema].
