How to Deal with Swollen Legs

Swollen Legs

Do you suffer from painful or chronic leg swelling? You should look for a Warner Robins leg swelling expert who offers vascular surgery using advanced technology in dealing with vein disease that causes leg swelling. However, before resorting to medical attention for swollen legs, you can try different home remedies. The following instructions can help you at home to reduce pain from leg swelling.

Use of Compression Socks

The compression socks will help you relieve the pain in the legs and prevent fluid collections in your legs, ankles, and feet. You are advised to choose compression socks that are not too tight for your body. Loose compression socks might not reduce the swelling.

Exercise

It has been discovered that standing for too long in one place can increase leg swelling. You are then advised to get involved in body exercises like swimming that will enable your body to have blood circulation in the body that will help in the reduction of chances of getting the swelling.

Use Epsom Salt

You will be required to soak your feet and ankles in a cold bath with Epsom salt for a period of 15 to 20 minutes. This will help reduce the swelling of the feet. People who have diabetic neuropathy are advised to check the water with their hands first to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures that could bring more harm.

Use Magnesium Supplements

The amount of magnesium supplement recommended to add to the daily diet is between 200 to 400 mg. The magnesium supplements will help in water retention and reduction of pain. You are advised to seek a doctor’s advice before using it, and for people who have a kidney or heart condition, they are advised not to use the magnesium supplements.

Monitor Your Weight

Being overweight will reduce blood circulation in the body and may eventually cause leg swelling. You are advised to check on your weight, and weight loss will help you reduce the legs’ swelling and improve your health.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day can help you stay hydrated enough. The fluids will help reduce the swelling because when the body is not hydrated, it holds onto its fluids. When the body is not well hydrated, leg swelling chances are higher than when one is hydrated.

Elevation

Elevation of your feet is recommended, and it should be above your heart. You can use a pillow, and you can elevate them for as long as 20 minutes at a time. Do this several times a day. Elevation will be of much help in the reduction of leg swelling.

Massage Your Feet

Massage brings muscle relaxation to the body, and when your legs are swollen, you can massage them or have someone do it for you. It is effective if your feet are massaged towards your heart with some firm strokes and some pressure, as it will help the fluid move out of the area, which will then reduce the swelling.

Take Potassium-Rich Foods

One is advised to increase intake of potassium-rich foods, as it reduces leg swelling. They help increase high blood pressure and water retention, which will help reduce leg swelling. Some foods rich in potassium are:

  • Sweet potatoes
  • White beans
  • Bananas
  • Salmon
  • And chicken

Conclusion

The above-discussed remedies will help you to reduce leg swelling. The instructions that each remedy has will have to be followed to minimize more harm and for you to get effective results. Good luck finding the remedy that works for your condition

What Are the Main Causes of Swollen Legs?

Swollen legs can be painful and frustrating. There are a lot of reasons why your legs may be swollen. However, the most common one is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in your tissues. The medical term for swollen legs is edema. Some of the main causes of the problem include pregnancy, salt retention, and cellulitis. If you have swollen legs, seek the help of Ariel Soffer MD, FACC.

In some instances, swollen legs may be an indication of circulation and heart problems. It may be related to factors such as:

  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Heart failure
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Obesity
  • Sitting or standing for long hours
  • Pulmonary hypertension

Causes of Swollen Legs and their Treatment

Foot or Ankle Injuries

If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, you may have a swollen foot. You may sprain your foot as a result of sports injuries, impact to your feet, or exercise injuries. The best way to deal with foot and ankle injuries is by applying the RICE procedure. It stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate.

Venous Insufficiency

The veins in your legs have special valves that stop blood from flowing backward. If you have venous insufficiency, the valves in your legs may no longer function well. They may fail to transport enough blood to the heart. When blood flows back to the legs, it may cause swelling.

Symptoms of venous insufficiency include infection, skin ulcers, and a change in your skin color. If you have venous insufficiency, seek the help of a doctor as soon as possible. Your treatment may include wearing compression socks, regular exercise, and elevating your legs. The treatment you get depends on the severity of the problem.

Infection

Infections to your lower legs or ankles may cause swelling. If you have diabetes, you are at a high risk of developing infections in your feet. Gangrene is one of the most common causes of swollen feet. It causes your body tissue to die from severe infection.

The treatment depends on the type of infection you have and its severity. Your doctor may suggest surgery in severe cases.

Blood Clots

Blood clots in your feet or legs may be the cause of swelling. Usually, they develop on one side. The main types of blood clots are:

  • Deep-veined clots which occur in veins that are deep in your body
  • Superficial blood clots which typically occur close to the skin surface

The symptoms of blood clots include:

  • Fever
  • An area of warm skin on one leg
  • Pain or swelling in one leg
  • Color change on a part of your leg

If you suspect that you may have blood clots, seek the help of a doctor as soon as possible. If untreated, blood clots can be life-threatening. The most common treatment option for blood clots is an anticoagulant medication.

Swollen legs have many causes. Even though some of them may go away after some time, you may need the help of a doctor. They will provide you with a treatment that addresses the cause of your problem.