Dependent Edema

Edema is the medical name for swelling.  It happens when there is too much fluid in an area of your body.  Swelling can happen in any part of your body, but it is most common in the legs and feet.  This is because gravity pulls the fluid to the lowest body part.   

When the swelling is in your legs and feet, it is called dependent edema.  Dependent edema often happens because your leg muscles are not able to push the fluid back up toward your heart.

The best way to stop swelling is to raise your legs above the level of your heart.  Lie down and place pillows under your legs.  If you can’t do that, it helps to put your legs up on a bed or chair a few times a day.  Some people will use special leg rests on their wheelchair, but this depends on how bad the swelling is.

Another way to prevent or have less swelling is to wear compression stockings such as TED socks.  ACE bandages work too.  TED socks should be fitted for you.  They may have small holes by your toes so that you can check how warm your toes are and what color they are.  That way you can be sure they are not too tight.

If you use ACE bandages, it is important to learn how to wrap them correctly.