Leg swelling is a symptom of many conditions.It is easy to manage swelling at home when it is caused by overexertion, fluid retention, or pregnancy.Leg swelling can be associated with more serious medical problems such as heart, kidneys, and liver disease.If you experience swelling in your legs, talk to your doctor to make sure you don't have any serious issues.
Step 1: Don't wear tight-fitting clothes.
Swelling in your legs can be caused by clothes that are too tight.Put on something loose and comfortable instead of taking off clothes that are squeezing your legs.Don't wear tight leggings, jeans, pants or garters.It is important to use compression stockings that are designed for this purpose and that fit you correctly, as tight stockings can help reduce swelling.
Step 2: You should elevate your leg above your heart.
Use pillows, blankets, or ottomans to elevate your swollen leg to a level above your heart.You can lie down on your bed or yoga mat with your legs propped up at a 90 angle.If you are comfortable, stay in this position for 30 minutes at a time.As long as the swelling continues, repeat this 3-4 times a day.Elevating your legs helps relieve pressure.If you have been sitting or standing in the same position for a long time, this can be helpful.You can keep your legs elevated as you sleep if you put exercise blocks under your mattress.
Step 3: It's a good idea to massage your leg.
It is possible to reduce swelling caused by pregnancy, edema, water retention, extended sitting, and a high-sodium diet with self-massage.Move your leg in the direction of your heart with comfortably firm strokes to massage the swollen leg.For 20 minutes at a time, 1-2 times a day, you can repeat this process.You can pull the fluids and blood from your legs with a combination of massage and elevation.If you want to massage one leg at a time, lie down with your legs straight up against a wall or bed.You can get help from a massage therapist if you have the money.A standard massage will do the trick.You may want to look for a therapist who practices specialized treatment for swelling.
Step 4: Pain relief can be achieved by soaking your feet and ankles in salt.
Prepare a bath deep enough to fit your feet.Add about a cup of salt to the bath and mix it well.If you have swelling on your feet, soak them for 15 to 20 minutes.If you have more extensive swelling, you can add Epsom salts to a full bathtub and sit in it with your calves and thighs submerged.If your pain is so bad that you can't function or if it's getting worse quickly, you should seek medical help.
Step 5: Stand for extended periods and take breaks.
Schedule regular breaks where you sit or stretch your legs if you have to be on your feet for extended periods of time.If you have to stand for work, it's a good idea to talk to your manager about getting regular breaks, as well as seeking accommodations to reduce the amount of time you stand.You should get at least 15 minutes off your feet every few hours.It is possible to provide immediate relief to swelling caused by standing still.See if other accommodations can be made if you can't get the breaks you need.If you work as a cashier, ask your manager if you can get a stool behind the register.
Step 6: When flying, perform foot and ankle exercises.
There are a number of exercises you can do in your seat to help minimize swelling when you fly.Flexing your calf muscles and keeping your shoes off can be done in addition to taking a short walk up and down the aisle.
Step 7: You should reduce your exposure to extreme temperatures.
The fluid build up that causes swelling can be increased by hot and cold temperatures.Remove yourself from extreme temperatures as soon as possible.This will help reduce swelling.Limit the amount of time you spend in hot tub, saunas, and very hot baths.
Step 8: Find the cause of your swelling by working with your doctor.
A symptom of an underlying condition is swelling.The underlying cause is the best way to treat swelling.In some cases, the cause may be obvious.In some cases, you may need to see your doctor.There are a number of causes of leg swelling.
Step 9: Swelling can be prevented or reduced by wearing compression stockings.
Drug stores and online carry compression socks and stockings.In some cases, wearing these stockings throughout the day can prevent leg swelling.You don't need to wear your stockings all the time, but they should be worn for a few hours every day when you're at school or work.A medical professional can help you choose the right material for your lifestyle.sores can be caused by socks that are too tight.
Step 10: Reduce the amount of food you eat.
It is possible to reduce swelling by eating a diet low in salt and sugars.A diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruit, and whole grains is what you should aim for.Added sugars, high salt foods, and processed foods can be avoided.Most frozen and prepared foods, canned goods, packaged sauces and soups, salad dressings, and pickled foods are high in salt.Sea salt is considered to be a healthier alternative to table salt in some areas.Sea salt needs to be in moderation if you choose to use it.People with leg swelling should avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
Step 11: You should exercise your legs at least 30 minutes a day.
It is possible to engage your legs in cardiovascular activity for half an hour every day.You should look for activities that engage your legs.Swimming is a great activity for people with moderate to severe leg pain.Since it is a non-weight-bearing activity, you don't have to worry about pain or stress on the leg.
Step 12: Every day you should take 200 to 400 magnesium.
Adding magnesium to your diet can help reduce the pain in swollen legs.To maximize your absorption, take your supplement every day with a meal.Before you start taking any new supplements or make any major changes to your diet, make sure to speak with your health care provider.
Step 13: Try to reduce the amount of water retained.
A deficiency of B12 can cause anemia, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including swelling in the legs or feet.You should talk to your doctor about taking supplements if you are concerned about your leg swelling being related to a lack of B12 in your body.You can get B12 from a variety of foods, including seafood, meat, eggs, diary products, and fortified cereals.
Step 14: If your pain gets worse, immediately seek help.
If your pain is very fast, you should go to your local urgent care facility.Get immediate help if it is severe enough to interfere with normal function.Severe pain can be a sign of a bigger problem, even if it isn't getting worse.Deep vein thrombosis can cause swelling in the calf area.The swelling caused by deep vein thrombosis causes the leg to get hard, red, hot, and rapidly increasing in size.
Step 15: If your swelling gets worse, you should see a doctor.
Blood clot or another medical condition that needs emergency attention may be an indicator of rapid swelling or worsening.Seek emergency medical help if you notice your swelling is getting worse.
Step 16: If you can't breathe, you should go to the emergency room.
If you experience chest pain, you should seek emergency help.These are symptoms of a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or a blood clot in your lung.You should look out for symptoms like coughing up blood, feeling dizzy or faint, and having trouble breathing when lying on your back.
Step 17: If you experience swelling on one side, you should see a doctor.
Deep vein thrombosis is a type of blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs.If you need an additional appointment or testing, call your doctor.A rapid pulse, chest pains, and shallow breathing are some of the additional signs of deep vein thrombosis.You may feel warm to the touch on your leg or foot.
Step 18: You can get a doctor to evaluate blisters.
Phlebitis, which can be caused by blisters, can put you at risk of infections.If you notice blisters on your feet or legs, make a doctor's appointment.Depending on the severity of your sores, your doctor may recommend monitoring, antibiotics, or outpatient surgical care.
Step 19: Ask if there is a way to stop or change medications that cause swelling.
If you think your medication is making your swelling worse, talk to your health care provider about changing it.You can try a different medication, change your dose, or stop taking certain groups of medication.Drugs that may contribute to swelling include antidepressants, blood pressure medications, hormones, and steroids.