8 Remedies for Swollen Legs: The swelling of legs is caused when the fluid in the blood escapes from capillaries and accumulates in tissues, known as peripheral edema. In the case of edema, if you press on the puffy area, it stays pitted for a few seconds after. This could be a sign of heart, liver or kidney problems. Then immediate attention of doctor is prescribed. If that is not the case, then it would be a harmless swelling. This could be caused by the factors like being overweight, standing for long time, lengthy car or airplane rides, warm weather, and menstrual periods.
8 Remedies for Swollen Legs
Here we see some tips to cure swollen legs.
Contents
1. Reduce your intake of salt
Consider reducing your salt intake to a teaspoon or less daily, which helps reduce water retention. If you cannot reduce it immediately, reduce them a pinch daily. In due course, you will be adjusted to less salt. Also reduce the intake of soya sauce.
2. Exercise
Make exercise regular. Exercising stimulates the blood circulation. Contracting leg muscles helps the veins pump blood back to the heart.
3. Elevate your legs
If you find your legs start swellings, keep your legs elevated. Lie down and keep your legs elevated, with help of a pillows or any substance, so that your legs are on higher surface, above the heart. You can do this for 30 min, 3 times a day.
4. Walk a bit
Even I and many of my colleagues face this problem of swelling legs, when we sit for a long time in front of our laptops. We used to get up and walk around for 5 min to 10 min, every 2 hrs. One of my colleague, brought a cardboard box and used to keep the legs on that box. So if your boss, permits you can do that also.
If you suppose to stand also, do not stand in the same position. Stretch your legs, move a bit, shake your legs, now and then.
5. Headstand Yoga (Sirsasana)
If you do yoga, go for the postures that make you lift your feet above the head. Check here how to do Sirsasana and its benefits.
6. Reduce your Weight
If your are overweight, consider reducing your weight. By losing some weight, you reduce the pressure that is put on your muscles, joints and bones.
7. Wear Compression Socks
When you travel, consider wearing compression socks. They do serve their purpose, like help the blood vessels with their elasticity, so that the blood doesn’t pool in your legs. Also they prevent varicose veins. Consider wearing them on long-haul flights and on long bus and train journeys.
8. Go for a foot massage
Massage the painful area. Better, make someone else do it for you. Massaging your feet makes your feet relaxing and improves your blood circulation. Use gentle but firm motions, and always go in the direction of the heart.
These 8 remedies for swollen legs will work for you by improving circulation and returning fluid to blood vessels. If none of these remedies seems to help, it might be a serious medical issue such as heart failure, kidney failure, or side effects of prescription medications like birth control pills, anti-depressants etc. Consult your doctor and go for a immediate attention.
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