In most mild to moderate cases, edema may improve after a good night’s sleep in a horizontal position, which allows redistribution of the fluids causing the swelling. Edema may also be relieved by changing position, elevating feet higher than the heart or just getting up and walking around. A physician may also suggest that elastic support hose be worn to aid in circulation in the lower body and reduce the swelling. For edema in the legs and arms, patients may benefit from massage and lymph drainage by a trained physical or occupational therapist.

In addition to these strategies, patients may be counseled to lower their salt intake. Table salt (sodium chloride) is known to increase fluid retention and should be avoided by patients with or at risk for edema. Certain drugs known to cause edema may be discontinued. These include corticosteroids, androgens (male hormones), high-estrogen contraceptives and some anti-hypertensive drugs.

If lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve the edema, medications may be prescribed by a physician. These medications often include diuretics ("water pills"), which flush sodium and other minerals from the body in the urine.

If heart failure is diagnosed, then other heart medications may be prescribed. These include ACE inhibitors, a class of medications that relax the blood vessels, lower blood pressure and minimize the stress on the heart muscle. Some cases of heart failure will require cardiac surgery.