It should be understood that often swelling is a symptom of a disease or pathology, so its treatment should not be aimed at eliminating the symptoms, but at eliminating their cause. These can be kidney problems, heart failure, varicose veins, and more.
If the feet are swollen in a healthy person and it is caused only by external factors, you can do the following:
- Eliminate heavy exercise, try to stand for less, take breaks for rest;
- While resting, try to lift your feet higher than your body level – when lying down, lift and rest them against a wall, or at least place them on a pillow;
- Exercise your calf muscles; stretch your ankles, twisting them in different directions to increase blood circulation and fluid flow;
- Contrast shower and subsequent massage with oils;
- If you still have to stand for a long time, you can use compression products – socks, stockings, or golfs that prevent the accumulation of fluid.
If edema is caused by certain diseases, treatment should be prescribed by a doctor after detailed diagnostics. In the treatment of swelling caused by heart disease or kidney pathology, commonly used diuretics (Aquazide-12,5, Aquazide-25), as well as preparations containing or retaining potassium in the body. If the edema is very severe and needs to be eliminated quickly, diuretic injections are prescribed. In the case of vein diseases, drugs that strengthen the walls of blood vessels are prescribed.
Wearing compression linen and hosiery, as well as using ointments, creams, and gels are required to affect swelling through the skin. They are quite effective both as an aid during swelling caused by a disease and to relieve fatigue after prolonged tension of the lower extremities.
Folk remedies
There are many recipes of folk medicine that will help to eliminate swelling as effectively as medicines.
- Baths
If you are very tired for the day and your feet are swollen in the evening, try taking a bath of sea salt. You can also add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil to the water – it refreshes and tones perfectly. Remember that hot water is not recommended to use. Use warm and comfortable for the skin water, and after the bath, it is necessary to rinse your feet with cold water
- Natural diuretics
For the normal functioning of the kidneys and the removal of excess fluid through the formation of urine, it is sufficient to drink plain water with the addition of a small amount of natural lemon juice. Water should not be cold: it is better to take warm, but not hot water. You can also prepare the infusion of parsley: grinds it in a blender or rubs on a grater, then the mixture (about 1 tablespoon with a slide) mix with a half a liter of boiling water (preferably in a thermos). Drink it overnight, and then take 2 tablespoons between meals 4-5 times a day.
- Compresses
You can prepare natural compresses for swollen feet. The cabbage leaf is especially well-proven. Experts advise pumping the cabbage leaf with a rolling pin, making it softer and suppler. Put a leaf on your leg, wrap with an elastic bandage and leave for a few hours or overnight.
- Massage
Massage helps to increase blood circulation in the blood vessels, as well as stimulates the flow of excess fluid from the swollen area. Movements should be gentle and light, not to press, especially if the swelling is too strong. Direct the movements from the bottom up so that fluid from the extremities also goes there. A good option is cryo massage with ice cubes. You can take ordinary water and freeze the decoction of medicinal herbs. Wrap ice cubes in a cheesecloth or cotton cloth and massage your feet.
All of these tips can help you get rid of the swelling very effectively. But it should be understood that if it is caused not by some internal disorders in your body, it is worth treating the true cause, not the symptoms.