How to Reduce Swelling in Feet
Walk instead of standing., Take breaks., Exercise everyday., Elevate your feet while resting., Consume less dietary salt., Try to lose weight., Avoid tight clothing on your thighs., Wear compression stockings., Get a different pair of shoes., Try a...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Walk instead of standing.
Standing can allow fluid to pool in your legs.
However, walking gets your blood pumping, increasing circulation to your feet, which can help with swelling., If you have a job where you must sit down for long periods of time, try to take breaks.Get up every hour or so and walk around for a few minutes to get you blood pumping again.
If you can’t get up, try doing some calf raises while sitting.
Simply raise your heel and then lower it.
Repeat this 10 times on each side. , Exercising a little bit every day can help with swelling over time.
For instance, try a walk after work everyday.
Alternatively, try incorporating a short bicycle ride everyday in your routine., If you have a job where you sit most of the time, try to raise your feet up when you're sitting.
By raising your feet above your heart, you're making your circulatory system work less hard to get the fluid up from your feet.You don't have to have your feet elevated all day; just try to do it a couple of times a day.
It may also help to have them elevated at night.If you have a desk job, ask your boss if it's appropriate to use a footstool at work.
When elevating your feet, try not to cross your ankles or legs because that can put too much pressure on veins and restrict blood flow. , If your diet is high in salt, it can contribute to swollen feet.When you have too much salt, your body holds on to it, and in the process, also holds on to extra water, which can contribute to swelling.In addition to the feet and ankles, your face and hands can also be puffy when eating a high-salt diet.
Most processed foods (such as canned foods, frozen dinners, and salad dressings) are high in salt (sodium), so buy more fresh produce and meats from the grocery store and prepare them at home.Store-bought products especially high in sodium include canned tomato and pasta sauces, soups, salsas, crackers, pickled veggies, lunch meat, and even cheeses.
Check the label for the sodium content, and look for words like "low-sodium."Even some fresh meats may be injected with salt and water.Compare brands.
Some brands will have less salt than others.Your dietary sodium intake should be between 1,500 mg and 2,300 mg per day, depending on your gender and size., Because weight can contribute to swelling, losing weight can help with swelling in your legs.Try changing up your diet so you're eating more fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, while slowing down on empty sugar calories.
Incorporating a diet change with an increase in exercise can speed up the process. , When you have tight clothing around your thighs, it can limit circulation.
Therefore, try to skip garters and other types of clothing that may restrict circulation., Wearing compression stockings can help decrease the fluid in your legs.
Basically, it wraps around your leg, giving it the support it needs to keep fluid from pooling there.You can find compression stockings online, at medical supply stores, and sometimes at your pharmacy. , If you're having trouble with swollen feet, you probably need a new pair of shoes to help with your treatment.
Change to shoes that grip your heel, provide enough room to wiggle your toes, and have good arch support.
The best time to try on shoes is in the afternoon, as your feet will be the most swollen then; that way, you can get shoes that fit you all the time, even when your feet swell more.If your shoes are too tight, they can cut down on blood flow, as well as cause other problems with your feet, such as light sprains. , Work on you legs by rubbing up from your feet towards the top of you body; you just need to work on your ankles and calves.
Don't rub so hard that you cause yourself pain, but do it firmly.
This type of massage can help reduce fluid near your ankles and feet., If home remedies and natural treatments aren't as effective at reducing the swelling in your legs as you'd hoped, then schedule an appointment with your family physician.
Your doctor will examine your feet and legs and see if the swelling is caused by anything more serious., Certain medications can contribute to swollen feet.
For instance, antidepressants, medications for high blood pressure, and hormone-based pills (such as birth control) can all have this side effect.
Steroids can also cause this problem., In many cases, edema is caused by a minor problem.
However, sometimes it can indicate a more serious health condition.
Discuss the possibilities with your doctor.For instance, for milder forms, pregnancy or PMS (premenstrual syndrome) might be the cause.
Also, you may not be moving enough, or you may be eating too much salty food.More serious causes include cirrhosis, kidney disease, kidney damage, congestive heart failure, chronic venous insufficiency, or a damaged lymphatic system.,, Your doctor will talk with you about the problems you've been having with your legs.
She may also ask about any other symptoms you may be having.
In addition, she may run some diagnostic tests to better understand the underlying condition.For instance, she may run blood tests or urinalysis, take X-rays, do an Doppler ultrasound exam of your legs, or run an ECG., Generally, your treatment will help with the underlying problem, not a drug specifically targeted at the swollen feet.
However, sometimes diuretics can help bring the fluid down in your feet., Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that originated primarily in China.
It involves placing fine needles into specific energy points within the skin and muscle in an effort to reduce pain and swelling and stimulate healing.Acupuncture for swelling in the feet is not a commonly recommended treatment by mainstream medical professionals.
However, if you've tried other treatments without success, then it's worth trying due to its relative safety and well-documented success with many other diseases and conditions.Acupuncture is now practiced by many more mainstream health professionals; whoever you pick should be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; people with this certification have passed an exam., Though not enough research has been done on this phenomenon, many pregnant have had good luck with water walking.
It's likely that the pressure of the pool water on your feet helps reduce fluid in your legs, lowering swelling., A large vein, called the inferior vena cava, runs from the bottom part of your body up to your heart.
By sleeping on your left side, your not applying as much pressure to it, and so it can properly circulate fluid., Sometimes cold compresses can help with swollen ankles while you're pregnant.
Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel or even just a washcloth dipped in cold water.
Don't leave it on for more than 20 minutes., That is, you can use compression stockings while you're pregnant to help control the swelling.
Additionally, don't stand up too long; sitting with your feet above your chest is a better option while pregnant.Don't forget to include light exercising in your routine while your pregnant.
You can try a daily walk to get your blood flowing. -
Step 2: Take breaks.
-
Step 3: Exercise everyday.
-
Step 4: Elevate your feet while resting.
-
Step 5: Consume less dietary salt.
-
Step 6: Try to lose weight.
-
Step 7: Avoid tight clothing on your thighs.
-
Step 8: Wear compression stockings.
-
Step 9: Get a different pair of shoes.
-
Step 10: Try a self-message.
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Step 11: Schedule an appointment.
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Step 12: Discuss your current medications.
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Step 13: Understand the causes of swollen feet.
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Step 14: If you begin to feel shortness of breath
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Step 15: have chest pain
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Step 16: having swelling in the legs and abdomen
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Step 17: and/or your swollen foot is red or warm to the touch
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Step 18: seek immediate medical attention.
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Step 19: Know what tests to expect.
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Step 20: Ask about treatment.
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Step 21: Consider acupuncture.
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Step 22: Try pool walking.
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Step 23: Go to sleep on your left side.
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Step 24: Try cold compresses.
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Step 25: Use the same techniques as you normally would for swollen feet.
Detailed Guide
Standing can allow fluid to pool in your legs.
However, walking gets your blood pumping, increasing circulation to your feet, which can help with swelling., If you have a job where you must sit down for long periods of time, try to take breaks.Get up every hour or so and walk around for a few minutes to get you blood pumping again.
If you can’t get up, try doing some calf raises while sitting.
Simply raise your heel and then lower it.
Repeat this 10 times on each side. , Exercising a little bit every day can help with swelling over time.
For instance, try a walk after work everyday.
Alternatively, try incorporating a short bicycle ride everyday in your routine., If you have a job where you sit most of the time, try to raise your feet up when you're sitting.
By raising your feet above your heart, you're making your circulatory system work less hard to get the fluid up from your feet.You don't have to have your feet elevated all day; just try to do it a couple of times a day.
It may also help to have them elevated at night.If you have a desk job, ask your boss if it's appropriate to use a footstool at work.
When elevating your feet, try not to cross your ankles or legs because that can put too much pressure on veins and restrict blood flow. , If your diet is high in salt, it can contribute to swollen feet.When you have too much salt, your body holds on to it, and in the process, also holds on to extra water, which can contribute to swelling.In addition to the feet and ankles, your face and hands can also be puffy when eating a high-salt diet.
Most processed foods (such as canned foods, frozen dinners, and salad dressings) are high in salt (sodium), so buy more fresh produce and meats from the grocery store and prepare them at home.Store-bought products especially high in sodium include canned tomato and pasta sauces, soups, salsas, crackers, pickled veggies, lunch meat, and even cheeses.
Check the label for the sodium content, and look for words like "low-sodium."Even some fresh meats may be injected with salt and water.Compare brands.
Some brands will have less salt than others.Your dietary sodium intake should be between 1,500 mg and 2,300 mg per day, depending on your gender and size., Because weight can contribute to swelling, losing weight can help with swelling in your legs.Try changing up your diet so you're eating more fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, while slowing down on empty sugar calories.
Incorporating a diet change with an increase in exercise can speed up the process. , When you have tight clothing around your thighs, it can limit circulation.
Therefore, try to skip garters and other types of clothing that may restrict circulation., Wearing compression stockings can help decrease the fluid in your legs.
Basically, it wraps around your leg, giving it the support it needs to keep fluid from pooling there.You can find compression stockings online, at medical supply stores, and sometimes at your pharmacy. , If you're having trouble with swollen feet, you probably need a new pair of shoes to help with your treatment.
Change to shoes that grip your heel, provide enough room to wiggle your toes, and have good arch support.
The best time to try on shoes is in the afternoon, as your feet will be the most swollen then; that way, you can get shoes that fit you all the time, even when your feet swell more.If your shoes are too tight, they can cut down on blood flow, as well as cause other problems with your feet, such as light sprains. , Work on you legs by rubbing up from your feet towards the top of you body; you just need to work on your ankles and calves.
Don't rub so hard that you cause yourself pain, but do it firmly.
This type of massage can help reduce fluid near your ankles and feet., If home remedies and natural treatments aren't as effective at reducing the swelling in your legs as you'd hoped, then schedule an appointment with your family physician.
Your doctor will examine your feet and legs and see if the swelling is caused by anything more serious., Certain medications can contribute to swollen feet.
For instance, antidepressants, medications for high blood pressure, and hormone-based pills (such as birth control) can all have this side effect.
Steroids can also cause this problem., In many cases, edema is caused by a minor problem.
However, sometimes it can indicate a more serious health condition.
Discuss the possibilities with your doctor.For instance, for milder forms, pregnancy or PMS (premenstrual syndrome) might be the cause.
Also, you may not be moving enough, or you may be eating too much salty food.More serious causes include cirrhosis, kidney disease, kidney damage, congestive heart failure, chronic venous insufficiency, or a damaged lymphatic system.,, Your doctor will talk with you about the problems you've been having with your legs.
She may also ask about any other symptoms you may be having.
In addition, she may run some diagnostic tests to better understand the underlying condition.For instance, she may run blood tests or urinalysis, take X-rays, do an Doppler ultrasound exam of your legs, or run an ECG., Generally, your treatment will help with the underlying problem, not a drug specifically targeted at the swollen feet.
However, sometimes diuretics can help bring the fluid down in your feet., Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that originated primarily in China.
It involves placing fine needles into specific energy points within the skin and muscle in an effort to reduce pain and swelling and stimulate healing.Acupuncture for swelling in the feet is not a commonly recommended treatment by mainstream medical professionals.
However, if you've tried other treatments without success, then it's worth trying due to its relative safety and well-documented success with many other diseases and conditions.Acupuncture is now practiced by many more mainstream health professionals; whoever you pick should be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; people with this certification have passed an exam., Though not enough research has been done on this phenomenon, many pregnant have had good luck with water walking.
It's likely that the pressure of the pool water on your feet helps reduce fluid in your legs, lowering swelling., A large vein, called the inferior vena cava, runs from the bottom part of your body up to your heart.
By sleeping on your left side, your not applying as much pressure to it, and so it can properly circulate fluid., Sometimes cold compresses can help with swollen ankles while you're pregnant.
Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel or even just a washcloth dipped in cold water.
Don't leave it on for more than 20 minutes., That is, you can use compression stockings while you're pregnant to help control the swelling.
Additionally, don't stand up too long; sitting with your feet above your chest is a better option while pregnant.Don't forget to include light exercising in your routine while your pregnant.
You can try a daily walk to get your blood flowing.
About the Author
Thomas Stone
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow lifestyle tutorials.
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