Methods For Treating Swelling
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.
