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Relief for swollen ankles


Home Remedies for Swollen Feet: 10 Treatments That Work

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Jaime Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA — Updated on March 7, 2019

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Painless swelling of the feet or ankles is common and can happen for a variety of reasons. Causes of swollen feet can include:

  • staying on your feet too long
  • ill-fitting shoes
  • pregnancy
  • lifestyle factors
  • certain medical conditions

When fluid accumulates in tissues, it’s called edema. While edema usually resolves on its own, there are some home remedies that may reduce the swelling more quickly and increase your own comfort. Here are 10 to try.

Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have. This contributes to swelling.

Compression socks can be found at a drug or grocery store or even bought online. Start with compression socks that are between 12 to 15 mm or 15 to 20 mm of mercury.

They come in a variety of weights and compressions, so it might be best to start off with lighter-weight socks and then find the kind that provides the most relief.

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) may not only help with muscle pain. It may also reduce swelling and inflammation. The theory is that Epsom salt draws out toxins and increases relaxation.

Just make sure to get Epsom salts marked with the USP designation. This means that it meets standards set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is safe to use.

Prop your feet on cushions, pillows, or even things like phone books, when you sleep. If you’re looking to reduce foot swelling while pregnant, try elevating your feet several times a day as well. Aim for about 20 minutes at a time, even on an ottoman or a chair.

Try to avoid standing for long periods of time and stay off your feet when you can.

If you sit or stand in one area for a long period of time (like at work), this can lead to swollen feet. Try to move a little bit each hour, even if it’s a walk to the break room, a walk around the block at lunch, flexing your knees and ankles, or a lap around the office.

If you retain water, you might have a magnesium deficiency. Eating foods high in magnesium can help. Magnesium-rich foods to add to your diet include:

  • almonds
  • tofu
  • cashews
  • spinach
  • dark chocolate
  • broccoli
  • avocados

Taking 200 to 400 milligrams of magnesium daily might help with the swelling. But before you take any kind of supplement, ask your doctor. Magnesium supplements aren’t right for everyone, especially if you have a kidney or heart condition.

Reducing your sodium intake can help decrease swelling in your body, including in your feet. Opt for low-sodium versions of your favorite foods, and try to refrain from adding salt to meals.

Being overweight can cause reduced blood circulation, leading to swelling of the lower extremities. It can also lead to extra strain on the feet, causing pain when walking. This can result in being more sedentary — which can also cause fluid buildup in the feet.

Losing weight can help ease the strain on your feet and possibly reduce foot swelling as well. Talk with your doctor about whether you need to lose weight and healthy ways to go about doing so.

Massage can be great for swollen feet and can also promote relaxation. Massage (or have someone massage them for you!) your feet toward your heart with firm strokes and some pressure. This can help move the fluid out of the area and reduce swelling.

A potassium deficiency can contribute to high blood pressure and water retention. If you have no dietary restrictions, consider eating foods containing potassium. Some potassium-rich foods include:

  • sweet potatoes
  • white beans
  • bananas
  • salmon
  • pistachios
  • chicken

Try drinking orange juice or low-fat milk instead of soda, too. If you have any medical conditions, especially kidney issues, talk with your doctor before adding lots of potassium to your diet.

Each person is different. Depending on what’s causing the swelling, some of these remedies might not be effective all of the time for everyone. If one doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to try another or use one in conjunction with another.

If none of these home remedies alleviate your swollen feet or you notice other symptoms that accompany your swollen feet, call your doctor. These symptoms could indicate an underlying health condition that needs to be treated. Your doctor may prescribe diuretics if they think that medical steps are necessary to reduce the fluid retention.

If you’re pregnant, ask your obstetrician before taking any supplements or before increasing your activity level. If you have any medical conditions or take any medications, check with your doctor before adding a supplement. Even natural supplements and vitamins can interfere with medications, so it’s always good to touch base first.

Read this article in Spanish.

Swollen Foot, Ankle, or Leg: Causes, Treatments, and More

The feet, ankles, and legs are common sites of swelling because of gravity’s effect on the fluids in the human body. However, fluid retention from gravity isn’t the only cause of a swollen ankle or leg. Injuries and subsequent inflammation can also cause fluid retention and swelling.

A swollen foot, ankle, or leg can cause the lower part of the leg to appear larger than normal. The swelling can make it difficult to walk. It may be painful, with the skin over your leg feeling tight and stretched out.

This swelling is usually temporary and not cause for concern. But you’ll still want to take measures to reduce swelling. This way, you can reduce any pain you’re experiencing and resume your daily activities.

If parts of your lower leg remain swollen or you have other symptoms, it could signal that you have an underlying health condition. Knowing the cause of your swelling can help rule out a more serious problem.

Continue reading to learn possible causes of a swollen foot, ankle, or leg, and what you can do to reduce swelling.

When is it an emergency?

You should seek medical care right away if your swelling is accompanied by any of these symptoms:

  • chest pain, pressure, or tightness
  • trouble breathing
  • dizziness
  • mental confusion
  • fever
  • leg ulcerations or blisters
  • an abnormality or crookedness to the ankle that wasn’t there before
  • inability to put weight on your leg

Also seek medical care if at-home treatments don’t help reduce swelling or if your discomfort increases.

Swelling in the lower leg is typically the result of one of two things:

  • edema, a buildup of fluid
  • inflammation, your body’s response to injury or infection

Edema is a common condition where excess fluid is trapped in your body’s tissues. This causes swelling and puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin in your feet, ankles, and legs. It can also affect your hands and arms.

Other symptoms of edema include stretched or shiny skin, or difficulty walking.

Some people may also experience pitting edema, in which the skin retains a dimple after you press on it for several seconds.

Later on, we’ll review health conditions that can cause edema, but some causes are just everyday activities or life factors, such as:

  • older age
  • being overweight or having obesity
  • standing too long
  • sitting too long (e.g., on a long flight)
  • hot weather

Inflammation is your immune system’s response to injury, infection, or disease. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Swelling from inflammation is usually accompanied by:

  • pain
  • skin that is warm to the touch
  • skin redness or discoloration
  • reduced function

Now let’s look at some specific causes of edema or inflammation in your lower leg.

Swollen ankles and legs are common when you’re pregnant because of factors such as:

  • natural fluid retention
  • pressure on veins due to the extra weight of your uterus
  • changing hormones

You may be more prone to swollen feet in the evening and especially after being on your feet all day.

Swollen feet and ankles may become particularly noticeable in the fifth month. The swelling tends to go away after you deliver your baby. Until then, try these tips to prevent or lessen the swelling.

Swelling prevention in pregnancy

  • Avoid standing for long periods of time.
  • Sit with feet raised.
  • Keep as cool as possible.
  • Spend time in the pool.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels.
  • Wear compression socks, tights, or stockings.
  • Keep a regular exercise routine as approved by your doctor.
  • Sleep on your left side.

Don’t reduce your water intake if you have swelling. You need plenty of fluids during pregnancy, usually at least 10 cups per day.

If the swelling is painful, you should see your doctor to make sure that your blood pressure is normal. Your doctor will also want to check if you have a blood clot and rule out other possible conditions, such as preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia

Sudden or excessive swelling in your ankles, hands, and face could be a sign of preeclampsia. This is a serious condition where you develop high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It usually happens after the 20th week of pregnancy.

People with preeclampsia may also have:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • infrequent urination
  • difficulty breathing
  • abdominal pain
  • vision changes, such as blurry vision

Contact your doctor right away if you experience sudden swelling, especially if it’s accompanied by these other symptoms.

Preeclampsia warning signs

If you’re pregnant, seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms associated with preeclampsia or dangerously high blood pressure. These include:

  • severe headaches
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • very little urine output

Swelling in the foot, ankle, or leg could be the result of inflammation due to acute, or even chronic, injury. When you hurt your lower leg, swelling occurs as a result of blood rushing to the affected area.

Conditions that can cause this type of inflammation include:

  • ankle sprain
  • broken leg
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • broken bones
  • knee sprain
  • ACL tear

The R.I.C.E. approach is often recommended to treat leg and foot injuries. This method involves:

  • Rest. Rest the affected limb and avoid putting pressure on it.
  • Ice. Ice your foot for up to 20 minutes at a time throughout the day.
  • Compression. Use a compression bandage to stop swelling.
  • Elevation. Keep your feet lifted as you rest so that they’re above your heart, especially at night.

While resting the leg or foot is important, too much rest can lead to problems with circulation. Check with your doctor about the appropriate amount of activity for your leg.

Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain reliever. You may need to wear a brace or splint. Severe cases may require surgery.

You should see a doctor if your pain is severe or you’re unable to put any weight on or move your foot. Also seek medical care if you’re experiencing numbness.

Your swollen foot, ankle, or leg may be due to an underlying chronic condition. It might also be due to medications that you’re taking or as an after-effect of surgery.

Here are some of the possible underlying conditions that may cause your foot, ankle, or leg to swell.

Blood clot

Blood clots are solid clumps of blood. They can form deep in the veins of your legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis.

Blood clots hamper blood flow up to your heart and lead to swollen legs, feet, or ankles. The swelling often occurs on one side of your body.

Swelling may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

  • pain
  • tenderness
  • a warm sensation
  • redness or a change in color in the affected area
  • fever

A blood clot is a medical emergency. Seek care immediately if you have these symptoms.

Treatment options and preventive measures include:

  • taking blood thinners, if directed by a healthcare professional
  • avoiding extended periods of sitting
  • exercising regularly
  • increasing fluid intake

Bursitis

Bursitis is when fluid-filled sacs around your joints (called bursae) become inflamed. This causes swelling and pain at the joint. It’s common in older adults and people who repetitively use specific joints, like athletes or people in certain jobs.

Bursitis can develop at any joint where there is a bursa. In the leg, it’s most common at the knee and ankle.

In addition to pain and swelling, symptoms include:

  • joint pain
  • erythema, skin that’s red, purple, or slightly darker depending on skin tone
  • difficulty walking

Pain relief medications along with rest and ice may help to manage the condition. In more severe cases, corticosteroids may be needed. If the bursa becomes infected, you may need antibiotics.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that occurs beneath the skin, causing pain, discoloration, and swelling. Cellulitis may be life-threatening if left untreated.

Symptoms of cellulitis include:

  • redness (or darkening) of your skin, depending on skin tone
  • a quickly growing rash
  • tight, glossy, swollen skin
  • a feeling of warmth in the affected area
  • pus-filled abscess

You may experience fever with cellulitis, but not always. The area is red and expanding. Often the edge of the redness can be felt under the skin, as though there is a piece of cardboard under the skin.

If you experience signs of cellulitis, get medical treatment immediately.

Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics. It should go away after 7-10 days of treatment.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is caused by damaged valves in the veins combined with standing or sitting for extended periods. This affects blood moving up to your heart from your legs and feet. Blood can collect in the veins of your legs and feet, causing swelling.

You may experience the following symptoms:

  • aching or tiredness in the legs
  • new varicose veins
  • flaky, itchy skin on the legs or feet
  • venous stasis ulcers

See a doctor if you have signs of venous insufficiency. It’s easier to treat the earlier it’s diagnosed.

Treatments include:

  • avoiding extended periods of standing or sitting
  • taking breaks for leg, feet, and ankle exercises during long periods of sitting
  • taking breaks to elevate your feet during long periods of standing
  • elevating legs above heart level while resting
  • walking and exercising regularly
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • wearing compression stockings
  • using antibiotics to treat skin infections
  • practicing good skin hygiene

Diabetes

Diabetes affects your ability to control sugar levels in your blood. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels which leads to poor blood circulation. This can cause blood to settle in your lower leg, causing swelling.

Prolonged circulation problems may eventually lead to nerve damage in your foot, which could also make it more susceptible to injury which can lead to swelling..

To help with swelling caused by diabetes, your doctor may recommend:

  • compression socks
  • foot elevation
  • regular exercise
  • weight loss
  • staying hydrated
  • limiting salt intake
  • magnesium supplements
  • soaking feet in Epsom salts

Nerve damage in your foot can also cause Charcot foot, an inflammatory condition that affects bones and tissue in the foot. In addition to swelling and numbness, Charcot foot is characterized by:

  • change in foot shape
  • sores
  • redness

Charcot foot is a serious condition that could require amputation if not treated.

Gout

A buildup of uric acid in your blood is called gout. As an acute condition, it can cause swelling in affected joints. This often affects the feet, particularly the big toe.

Gout flares usually last for 3 to 10 days. But if left untreated, gout can become chronic, leaving lumps called tophi in your joints and tissue. Tophi can cause permanent damage to your joints.

Associated symptoms of gout include:

  • joint pain
  • skin that’s warm to the touch
  • stiffness
  • misshapen joints

There are medications you can take to prevent gout flare-ups. You can also take NSAIDs or corticosteroids to relieve the pain.

Home remedies such as apple cider vinegar and black cherry juice may help with symptoms. But consult a doctor if your symptoms are severe or come on suddenly.

Heart failure

In right-sided heart failure, the heart’s right ventricle is too weak to pump enough blood to the lungs. As blood builds up in the veins, fluid gets pushed out into the tissues in the body. This could be brought on by a heart attack, valve disorders, or lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Right-sided heart failure symptoms include swelling and shortness of breath. You may also experience:

  • discomfort when lying down flat
  • a faster or abnormal heart rate
  • pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest
  • difficulty exercising
  • coughing up pink, foamy mucus
  • stubborn cough with blood-tinged phlegm
  • increased nighttime urination
  • swollen abdomen
  • rapid weight gain from water retention
  • fainting or severe weakness

Get immediate medical treatment if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

Heart failure needs lifelong management. Treatment options include medications, surgery, and medical devices.

Infection

Swollen feet and ankles may be caused by infections and the accompanying inflammation. People with diabetic neuropathy or other nerve conditions of the feet are more prone to foot infections.

Infections can be caused by wounds such as blisters, burns, and insect bites. You may also experience:

  • pain
  • redness
  • irritation

If you have a bacterial infection, you may need prescription oral or topical antibiotics to treat it.

Kidney disease

If you have kidney disease or your kidneys aren’t working properly, you may have too much salt in your blood. This causes your body to retain water, which can lead to swelling in your feet and ankles.

The following symptoms may also be present:

  • difficulty concentrating
  • loss of appetite
  • feeling tired and weak
  • difficulty sleeping
  • muscle twitching and cramping
  • puffy eyes
  • dry, itchy skin
  • increased urination
  • nausea and vomiting
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • high blood pressure

Treatment options include:

  • diuretics
  • blood pressure medications
  • statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications
  • medications for anemia
  • phosphate binder medications, which help block the absorption of phosphate
  • calcium and vitamin D supplements
  • a low-protein diet

Ultimately, kidney failure may be treated with a kidney transplant or dialysis.

Liver disease

Liver disease can cause foot and ankle swelling due to the liver not functioning properly. This leads to excess fluid in your legs and feet, which causes swelling.

Liver disease can be caused by genetic factors. Viruses, alcohol, and obesity are also linked to liver damage.

Other symptoms include:

  • a painful and swollen abdomen
  • jaundice, or yellowish skin and eyes
  • bruising easily
  • itchy skin
  • dark urine
  • pale, bloody, or tar-colored stool
  • fatigue
  • nausea or vomiting
  • loss of appetite

Treatment options include:

  • weight loss, if you have obesity
  • abstaining from alcohol
  • medications
  • surgery

Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs as a result of lymph nodes that are damaged or removed, often as part of cancer treatment. This causes your body to retain lymphatic fluid and can lead to swollen feet and ankles.

Other symptoms may include:

  • a feeling of tightness or heaviness
  • limited range of motion
  • aches
  • repeated infections
  • fibrosis, or thickened tissue

You can’t cure lymphedema, but you can manage the condition by reducing pain and swelling. Severe lymphedema may require surgery.

Treatment options include:

  • light exercises that encourage lymph fluid drainage
  • elevation of the legs
  • special bandages, known as short-stretch bandages, for wrapping your foot or leg
  • manual lymph drainage massage
  • pneumatic compression, in which inflatable cuffs are placed around the legs
  • compression garments
  • complete decongestive therapy (CDT), which combines multiple techniques such as exercise, bandaging, and massage

Popliteal cyst

Synovial fluid reduces friction in your joints so you can move them more easily. But a buildup of too much synovial fluid in your knee can cause a popliteal cyst (or Baker’s cyst) to form. It’s usually the result of injury or arthritis.

The cyst appears as a large bump behind the knee. Other symptoms that may go along with it include:

  • pain
  • stiffness
  • limited motion
  • bruising or rupturing

You can relieve pain from the cyst with steroids like cortisone. Your doctor can even drain the cyst, but that doesn’t mean it won’t return. The most important thing to do is to identify and treat the underlying cause of the cyst.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that affects the lining of your joints. Fluid builds up around your joints, causing swelling and potentially permanent damage.

Along with swelling, you may experience:

  • joint pain
  • stiffness in your joints
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • anemia
  • rheumatoid nodules

If you experience swelling due to RA, your doctor may recommend:

  • corticosteroids
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
  • a splint to support an affected joint
  • physical therapy

Surgery

Swelling is common after surgery. The early stages of healing usually involve inflammation, which can cause moderate to severe swelling. Mild to moderate swelling may persist for up to 6 months depending on the type of surgery you had.

Reduce post-operative swelling by:

  • elevating your leg
  • using an ice pack or cold compress
  • using compression stockings

If your swelling goes on for too long or gets more severe, talk to your doctor. This could be a sign of an infection or blood clot.

Medications

Some medications cause fluid to collect, especially in the lower part of your body. These include:

  • antidepressants, especially phenelzine (Nardil)
  • calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure, including:
    • nifedipine (Adalat CC, Afeditab CR, Procardia)
    • amlodipine (Norvasc)
    • verapamil (Verelan)
  • hormone medications, such as birth control pills, estrogen, or testosterone
  • steroids
  • angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • NSAIDs
  • diabetes medications

If you suspect that your medications are causing swollen feet and ankles, it’s important to see a doctor. Together, you can determine whether there are other options in terms of medications or dosages. They may prescribe a diuretic to help reduce excess fluid.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can lead to swollen feet and ankles since your body retains more water after drinking. Usually, it’ll go away within a few days. If the swelling doesn’t subside during this time, it could be cause for concern.

If swelling frequently occurs in your feet and ankles when you drink alcohol, it may be a sign of a problem with your liver, heart, or kidneys. This could also be a sign that you’re consuming too much alcohol.

To treat swollen feet and ankles due to alcohol consumption, try these tips:

  • increase water intake
  • reduce salt intake
  • rest with your leg elevated
  • soak feet in cool water

Hot weather

Swollen feet and ankles frequently occur during hot weather since your veins expand as part of your body’s natural cooling process.

Fluids, including blood, go into nearby tissues as part of this process. However, sometimes your veins aren’t able to bring blood back to the heart. This results in fluid collecting in the feet and ankles. People with circulatory problems are especially prone to this.

Here are some home remedies to reduce swelling during hot weather:

  • drink plenty of water
  • rest with legs elevated
  • soak feet in cool water
  • wear shoes that allow feet to breathe and move freely
  • exercise legs with regular walks and simple leg exercises

In many cases, you can treat a swollen foot, ankle, or leg at home. Home management will depend on the cause.

If your swelling is the result of fluid buildup, the following home tips may help relieve swelling:

  • reduce your salt intake
  • lie down with your feet and legs higher than your heart.
  • practice the Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
  • wear compression stockings
  • take diuretics

If your swelling is due to injury, remember R.I.C.E. but consult with a doctor regarding how much activity your leg should get.

Medical condition management

If you have a medical condition that can lead to swelling, take your medications and manage your symptoms carefully. If you have congestive heart failure or kidney disease, you may need to limit the amount of fluid you take in each day.

Exercise precautions

While you can’t always prevent injuries during physical activity, warming up first can help. This includes a walk or light jog before engaging in vigorous physical activity.

Choose supportive footwear. Proper shoes can help correct gait issues and prevent injuries. You should choose shoes that match your activity or your specific needs. If you jog or run, get fitted by a professional for the correct shoe.

Compression socks

Compression socks apply pressure to your lower leg. In some cases, this can help prevent and alleviate ankle and foot swelling caused by certain conditions, such as:

  • deep vein thrombosis
  • lymphedema
  • varicose veins
  • venous insufficiency

Check with your doctor before using compression socks for your swelling, because these special socks should be properly fitted for you and your needs. Wear them during the day and remove them before you go to bed.

Diet

A low-sodium diet discourages fluid retention. Fast food often contains large amounts of sodium which can contribute to retaining fluids. Many frozen meals and canned soups often contain excess sodium, so read food labels carefully.

Leg elevation

If you stand a lot during the day, try wearing compression stockings at work and propping your feet up or soaking them in water when you get home to help prevent swelling.

There are many reasons for a swollen foot, ankle, or leg. It’s usually the result of fluid buildup or your body’s response to an injury or infection. Sometimes, it can be a sign of a serious condition that requires medical attention.

A doctor can run tests to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. If you don’t have a primary care doctor or need help finding a specialist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Treatment of swelling of the legs with folk remedies.

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Contents

  • Introduction
  • The essence of the problem
  • What folk remedies will help relieve swelling
  • Using natural remedies to remove excess fluid from the body
  • Trays
  • Compresses
  • Physical activity
  • Conclusion

Folk remedies for leg edema

Leg edema is a common problem. Almost every adult meets with her during a long stay on his feet, especially in the heat. But most of all it is relevant for people of more advanced age.

The essence of the problem

At its core, edema is the accumulation of fluid in tissues. He worries most often in the late afternoon. It is characterized by an increase in the size of the limb, looseness of the skin - when pressed on it, peculiar dents are formed that are not prone to rapid disappearance. Most often, the feet and ankles swell, swelling can spread from the fingers to the knee, sometimes higher.

If edema bothers you infrequently, as a rule, in the heat or when you are on your feet for a long time, you can alleviate the condition with folk remedies. Regular swelling clearly indicates the presence of a certain disease, so it is important to establish its cause in order to start treatment on time. It can be varicose veins, cardiac and many others.

What folk remedies will help relieve swelling

Removal of puffiness at home is possible in several ways, the most accessible of which are:

1. Using natural remedies to remove excess fluid from the body.

To prevent excess fluid, you should limit the use of salt, as well as smoked meats, sweets, strong tea and coffee. To remove water, you need to introduce parsley, asparagus, as well as black currants, strawberries or garlic into your diet. Cranberries and cranberries are considered excellent diuretics. Moreover, for this purpose, you can use both the berries of these plants and a decoction of their leaves. An infusion or decoction of cumin seeds is effective in this regard. Ordinary tea can be replaced with rose hip tea. You can also use a complex collection that has a diuretic effect, which is sold at any pharmacy.

2. Trays.

The easiest way is to make a bath with sea salt (1 tbsp baking soda and 2-3 tbsp salt/3 l water). Relief in the legs can be felt after taking a bath with a decoction of chamomile, birch leaves, sage, mint, etc. But contrast baths are especially effective, which will improve not only the sensations in the legs, but also general well-being. The alternation of immersion of the legs in cold and warm (about 40 ° C) water helps to increase the tone of blood vessels and strengthen their walls.

A bath with the addition of essential oil (a few drops of mint or a drop of lemon and eucalyptus) will help relieve fatigue after a hard day's work.

3. Compresses.

The simplest, but at the same time quite effective compress is from a cabbage leaf. First you need to knead it (you can use a rolling pin for this purpose), attach it to the place of swelling and fix it. Other popular options include:

  • Infusion of birch leaves (soak bandages in the infusion and apply).
  • Infusion of chamomile, parsley and dill.
  • Burdock (apply to the leg with the wrong side).
  • Lean (preferably linseed) oil.

4. Physical activity.

The best activity for swelling is swimming. For those whose lifestyle is predominantly sedentary, walking, squats, and other types of exercises are recommended, with the exception of lifting weights.

These methods will help relieve swelling if it is caused by simple fatigue or the initial stage of varicose veins. But this is not a cure, but just a temporary relief of the condition. If edema is observed frequently or, in general, daily, an examination in the clinic is necessary to prevent the development of the disease.

The First Phlebological Center in Moscow offers the treatment of varicose veins using innovative technologies that are characterized by efficiency and minimal discomfort.

The results of the treatment of our patients

Specialists

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    Viktor Nikolaevich Lobanov

    Head of the clinic. Surgeon-phlebologist, doctor of ultrasound diagnostics


    From 2006 to 2015 he worked as the head of the phlebology department of the City Clinical Hospital No. 1

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    Bogachev Vadim Yurievich

    Surgeon-phlebologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor

    Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, laureate of the Prize of the Government of the Russian Federation in the field of science and technology.

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    Klyuchevskaya Maria Nikolaevna

    Surgeon-phlebologist of the Center, doctor of ultrasound diagnostics

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Folk remedies for edema

At the end of the day, many people feel heaviness in their legs. Yes, and it’s difficult to put on your favorite shoes - the ankles and lower legs swell. What to do if the legs swell? Folk remedies can help relieve discomfort without causing harm to health. Many of them are milder than pharmaceuticals and give a good effect. It remains only to choose which traditional recipes suit you.

Why are my legs swollen?

The causes of edema can be very different: from somatic diseases (for example, kidney or heart disease) to hormonal disorders or malnutrition. However, if we talk about the most common causes, then, of course, they include varicose veins.

With varicose veins, the work of venous valves is disrupted, and therefore blood stagnates in the veins. As a result, the walls of the vein stretch and become thinner. Blood stasis leads to an increase in fluid pressure on the vessel from the inside. To reduce it, the liquid exits through the thinned wall into the tissues surrounding the vessel. This is what causes swelling.

The main features of "varicose" edema:

  • appearance mainly in the evening
  • increased edema in static position, better feeling when walking
  • swelling accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the legs or pain
  • with "varicose" edema, there is usually no shortness of breath, which is accompanied by cardiac edema

So, now we are clear about the common causes of leg swelling. How to carry out treatment with folk remedies?

Use of natural diuretics

The first step to getting rid of edema is limiting salt intake and enriching the diet with foods that can gently remove excess water from the body. So, if your ankles are swollen, then the best folk remedies here are parsley, celery, asparagus, garlic, strawberries, blackcurrants and others. Increasing your intake of these foods will help get rid of excess fluid. The most effective natural diuretics are cranberries and lingonberries: you can use both the berries themselves and the decoction of the leaves.

We recommend that you exclude smoked products, strong tea and coffee, sweets from the diet. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and lean poultry and dairy products. Instead of tea, you can drink a rosehip decoction, as well as take an infusion of cumin seeds or nettle roots. Such a diet will help not only improve the situation with edema, but also normalize weight, which is important if you suffer from varicose veins.

The healing power of water

It is impossible not to recall such a folk remedy for swelling of the legs as baths. Contrast baths or baths with the addition of salts and decoctions can significantly improve the condition of the legs and your well-being.

Contrast baths, when the legs are alternately immersed either in cold or warm water, strengthen the walls of blood vessels well, restore their tone. Prepare two small containers, for example, two basins. One should have cold water (10-12 degrees), the second should have warm water (but not hot, the temperature is about 40 degrees). Lower your legs first into one pelvis, then into the other. The time you keep your feet in cold water should be less. If you are just starting to do contrast baths, then you can make the temperature difference not so big.

In addition to contrast baths, foot baths with the addition of:

  • sea salt and soda
  • decoction of mint, chamomile and birch leaves
  • sage decoction (prepared in the proportion of 0.5 cup of herb per 1 liter of water)

Let's not forget the compresses

Sometimes edema can be improved by compresses. In particular, the healing properties of the cabbage leaf are well known. It can be slightly kneaded with a rolling pin and put on an edematous leg. A good folk remedy for swelling of the legs is an infusion of birch leaves: pour 200 grams of leaves with one liter of boiling water and add a spoonful of salt. When the infusion is ready, you need to moisten the bandages in it and make compresses with them.

Charge!

And of course, if you want to get rid of "varicose" edema, do not forget about physical activity. Just don't let it be exercises associated with lifting weights - they can adversely affect the condition of the veins. Walking, "scissors" and "bike" exercises, squats, and, of course, swimming, which is absolutely indispensable for varicose veins, will help you relieve swelling and feel better.

And one more important recommendation: approach the treatment of leg edema with folk remedies with caution. In order not to aggravate puffiness and really reduce the severity of the problem, consult a doctor and make sure that you know exactly the cause of your condition.

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