What are the more likely causes of peripheral edema?

Peripheral edema means there is swelling of the feet, ankles and legs due to fluid accumulation in the tissues. The most common cause is venous insufficiency, leaky valves in the leg veins. The leg veins return blood to the heart after the blood has delivered its oxygen and nutrients to the feet and lower legs. The veins need the valves to stop blood from backing up, which can lead to fluid leak. Other causes include heart disease, kidney conditions, malnutrition, thyroid disorders and blocked lymph channels (lymphedema).