My dad has had diabetes and hep c for 20+ years. w/in the past month, he has experienced edema from his feet up to his upper abdomen. he is in prison. what can he do to help ease his edema?

Fluid overload: His symptoms may be due to fluid overload due to liver malfunction or possibly cirrhosis. This needs expert care by a gastroenterologist or an internist and is usually managed by salt restriction and fluid pills.

Edema in prison: You dad needs to be seen by a prison physician to be tested for a low Albumin due to liver disease and/or proteinuria causing him to have a low serum albumin. He needs, if this cannot be arranged, to be on a low sodium diet and have diuretics, both Lasix (furosemide) and, if his kidney function is good enough, aldosterone antagonists to get rid of the fluid. Increased protein intake is also needed. Good luck.

Many possibilities: Some causes of swelling of the legs can include systemic problems such as hypertension, and problems with the kidneys and localized issues such as arthritis, infection, lymphatic obstruction, blood clots, varicose veins, trauma (fracture, sprain, tendonitis) and side effects to medication. Have it evaluated by a professional and get the appropriate treatment.