U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You
  FAQs Site Map About MedelinePlus Contact Us
español

Printer-friendly version E-mail this page to a friend
Illustration of swelling of the leg, ankle and foot
  • Related Topics

  • Go Local

    • Services and providers for Edema in the U.S.
  • National Institutes of Health

  • Languages

Also called: Dropsy

Edema means swelling caused by fluid in your body's tissues. It usually occurs in the feet, ankles and legs, but it can involve your entire body.

Causes of edema include

To keep swelling down, your health care provider may recommend keeping your legs raised when sitting, wearing support stockings, limiting how much salt you eat or taking a medicine called a diuretic - also called a water pill.

Start Here
  • Edema(American Academy of Family Physicians)
    Also available in Spanish