Short-Term Changes in Lower Extremity Volume After Radiofrequency Diathermy in Women with Idiopathic Lower Extremity Edema: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Background: Idiopathic lower extremity edema, characterized by recurrent swelling without an identifiable underlying disease or medication-related cause, is associated with altered fluid distribution and peripheral circulation. Radiofrequency diathermy (RFD) may influence local thermal and circulatory conditions; however, its short-term effects on edema-related parameters remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term changes in lower extremity volume and related physiological measures following RFD in women with idiopathic lower extremity edema. Methods: A randomized, assessor-blinded, sham-controlled crossover study was conducted in 14 women with idiopathic lower extremity edema. Participants received both active RFD and sham treatments once daily for three consecutive sessions, with the two treatment periods separated by a 4-week washout period. Leg volume, circumference, body weight, pain intensity, and skin temperature were measured before and after each session. Results: Compared with the sham condition, the active condition was associated with greater reductions in right leg volume (active: −104.0 mL; sham: −14.5 mL; p = 0.013) and left leg volume (active: −81.1 mL; sham: +17.4 mL; p < 0.001). Compared with sham, the active condition also showed greater reductions in pain intensity, body weight, and right calf circumference (all adjusted p < 0.05) and greater skin temperature increases in all regions except the bilateral anterior thighs (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: In women with idiopathic lower extremity edema, the active condition was associated with greater short-term reductions in bilateral leg volume than the sham condition, accompanied by changes in skin temperature and related physiological measures.