|
Swelling of legs and feet is medically known as edema. Edema refers to the build-up of fluids in the body parts which leads to swelling of the hands, legs and feet without inflammation of any sort. Edema is not a problem by itself but caused by other underlying factors ranging from heart failure, anemia, kidney and liver disease, thyroid disease to insufficiency of the veins to pump blood back to the heart, injuries caused to the limbs, nutritional deficiencies and hormonal changes during menstruation and pregnancy. People suffering from high blood pressure also suffer from swelling of the legs and feet. Blood clots, varicose veins, insect bites or stings can also cause swelling of the legs and feet. Swollen legs and feet is also a common problem faced by the elderly. Certain medications, anti-depressants, birth control pills and hormones are also responsible for edema. Swelling of the legs and feet can also occur due to obesity, long automobile rides and flights when the leg does not get any exercise and has been hanging for a long period and even if you have been standing for a very long period. Edema can create other problems by slowing down the healing process and treatment of other medical conditions and thus it should not be ignored.
In order to reduce the swelling of the legs and feet you should keep your feet elevated by placing a stool under your feet while sitting or raising your feet by placing a pillow under them while you are lying down. You should exercise your legs regularly. During long car rides and flights you should rotate your feet clock-wise and anti-clockwise after every half an hour and take frequent breaks to stretch your legs. You should also gently massage them to increase the circulation of blood in your feet and legs. This will also reduce the fluid retention and consequently reduce the swelling in your legs and feet. Massage your legs with some warm mustard oil to reduce the swelling. Alternately you can apply water in which a few mustard seeds have been soaked. Application of this water will also reduce the swelling. Apple cider vinegar can be consumed to drain the excess water and fluid retained in the body. You should also monitor your diet and stick to a low salt diet since salt leads to water retention. You should also decrease your intake of sodium since it will interfere with any medication you have been taking for edema. Carbohydrates have high water content and thus you should reduce your intake of carbohydrates. If the problem persists and these remedies do not work you should consult a doctor for adequate treatment.
|
