Methods For Treating Swelling

For many individuals, it's common to look at their feet and ankles and not recognize them. They might realize they're swollen, which is warping their appearance. There are many different causes of swelling. Some are signs of a medical condition, but harmless environmental factors often cause swollen feet and ankles. If an individual spends their day on their feet working retail or in a factory, they might find that not only do their feet start to smell, but swell as well. Individuals might also have swelling after surgery or if they have traveled a long distance on foot. Pregnant women will almost inevitably need to deal with swelling. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to reduce the soreness and appearance of swelling.

Wear Compression Socks

One of the simplest things patients can do in regards to treating swelling in the legs is to wear compression socks, which are used by all kinds of people. If someone is at risk for problems with your circulation, compression socks may help. They also help patients who are bedridden, have a hard time with leg movement, or have just gotten surgery. If an individual stands for the entire day at work, or is pregnant, compression socks might help with swelling. They may also help individuals who spend a lot of time flying. These stockings are specially engineered, stretchy, and snugly fitting socks that provide the leg with a gentle squeeze. If you get a pair of graduated compression socks, they'll be tight around the ankle and slowly become looser further up the leg. They can be bought over the counter, and sometimes doctors will recommend them for chronic medical conditions or following surgery. When this is the case, patients can often be reimbursed for the cost by your insurance companies. Other common places to buy compression socks are online and medical supply stores.

Elevate The Legs

Another simple fix is to elevate the legs, which is something individuals can do along with compression socks. Try propping legs up on a footstool or a pile of pillows. When in bed, individuals should set their feet on a small stack of pillows to keep them elevated. Many studies show individuals can improve their circulation and the overall health of their veins by elevating their legs, even if they don't have a regular exercise routine. When a patient elevates their legs, they can also help prevent deep vein thrombosis, which is a common and dangerous blood clot. If an individual can't sit back and elevate their legs, it helps to raise their calves in place. Doing so stimulates muscular activity, which then causes venous blood to be pumped through the circulatory system.

Follow A Diet Low In Salt

Dietary changes can be instrumental in reducing pain and swelling in the legs. It helps to follow a diet low in salt. Many popular snack foods have a great deal of salt. Individuals can find out how much salt is in pre-packaged food by checking the sodium content on the nutrition label. As for cooking, it helps to avoid over-salting food (or even not adding extra salt) and use other seasonings instead. Many foods, like ham, already have high salt content. One of the potential drawbacks is a low-salt diet can seem rather bland in the beginning, though it is worth noting everyone's taste buds will adjust, particularly when other seasonings are employed in place of salt. After someone has lowered their salt intake, they may find food from restaurants tastes too salty. This is especially true when it comes to food prepared by fast food restaurants. The reason a low-salt diet helps is that salt contributes to edema, otherwise known as fluid buildup. This buildup in the legs causes swelling, tenderness, and pain. If you make diet changes, you might not need to take any medication.

Consistent Exercise Routine

For many medical issues, one of the first courses of action a doctor recommends is a consistent exercise routine. The same is true for swelling in the legs. When individuals use their muscles, the circulatory system is stimulated. Their heart beats faster, and blood moves more efficiently throughout their body as it delivers oxygen to muscles. Swelling is often caused in part by poor circulation, so this stimulation of the circulatory system is essential. In addition, if an individual sits or stands in one area for a long time, swelling might increase. If they sit for long periods, they should try extending their ankles, flexing their feet, and moving their knees. If an individual has a hard time with exercise due to its harsh impacts on the body, they might want to take up swimming. This exercise soothes the skin and doesn't bear weight, so it doesn't cause potential pain from impacts.

Take Regular Breaks And Walk

As previously mentioned, sitting or standing in one position for a long time is one of the top factors contributing to swelling in the legs. If an individual is able to do so, they should try to take regular breaks and walk. Individuals who work in an office setting should get up and walk around every so often. This is also a good time to stretch hands and arms to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Individuals who work in retail likely have pre-scheduled and fairly strict breaks. However, if they're able to, they can try walking around behind the cash register rather than just standing in one place. It can make a big difference in swelling. Walking around stimulates the muscles and circulation, preventing fluid from pooling in the legs.