Swollen legs: What can cause lymphedema?

Can sitting on the bed with legs dangling on the side, can it cause Lymphoedema in your legs.

@may2200 Welcome to Mayo Connect, where we share our health journeys and try to help one another. The short answer to your question is "No, dangling your legs does not cause lymphedema, but it can be more complicated."

Lymphedema is caused by a malfunction in the body's lymphatic system, which drains body fluids through a complex network to the kidneys so it can be excreted. When the system fails, we get swelling, usually in the lower extremities first, but in serious cases it can spread throughout the body.

Here is a description of how it works:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/symptoms-causes/syc-20374682
If you are healthy, dangling your legs will not cause lymphedema. But if you have issues with your heart, circulation or kidneys, keeping your legs down can result in swelling. Some medications, or failing to take medications prescribed to lower blood pressure or make your heart more efficient or a diet high in sodium, can also make lymphedema worse.

Are you seeing swelling in one or both legs? Have you seen a doctor about it?

I have it in my left leg and foot. Yes I seen the doctor and been 2 hospitals. And still have no clue. All the blood work for the heart comes back normal. He gave me a water pill and compression socks and we will see if that helps. Aug 8 is when it started. I am obese 372 lbs but that's because of my foot and leg swollen. I have type 2 diabetes but my blood sugar was good.

Swelling the legs can be caused by more than.
You need to go to the doctor and have your heart checked. Your heart might be working a little too hard and can’t get rid of the fluid
It could also be a side effect of a medication
I had this happen with a medication I had taken for six weeks Went to bed at 11 PM 1 AM. My left leg was three times the size it was at 11. Went to the ER they checked for blood clots and everything and everything came up.
They told me to get in with my doctor and it took some time to get in. The doctor immediately knew what it was told me to cut this one medication down by 50% for so many days then cut it again and then again then stop
So please go to the doctor and check things out
I wish you the very best on your journey