Relieving Swollen Legs: 8 Tips
Relief from swollen legs may be necessary after exerting excessive physical exertion, if you suffer from poor circulation or fluid retention. The latter symptom, which is found mainly in women, is described as a feeling of heaviness that sometimes hinders movement.
It often results in prolonged pain episodes that only subside with rest. Also, it can be accompanied by tingling, numbness, and other symptoms.
Failure to relieve swollen legs significantly reduces quality of life. How to remedy this situation?
Although, in most cases, the disorder goes away on its own without the need for treatment, there are some natural remedies to counter it.
Below we want to illustrate the main causes that lead to swollen legs and eight simple tips to speed up their recovery.
What are the causes of swollen legs?
This problem occurs mainly when the circulation does not flow optimally in the lower part of the body.
The force of gravity, in addition to the pressure caused by weight, makes it difficult for blood to pass to the heart.
Fluid retention is also another common cause, and is caused by difficulties in the proper functioning of the kidneys.
This disorder usually results from excessive sodium consumption, but also from other diseases of different types. What causes leg swelling?
- Remain seated or standing for a long time
- The pregnancy
- Obesity or overweight
- Taking medications to control diabetes or hypertension
- Suffering from heart or kidney failure
- Being suffering from autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Using uncomfortable footwear (such as those with high heels)
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle
- Suffering blows or trauma
Symptoms of swollen legs
Swollen legs are characterized by limited inflammation in the knee and calf area.
On the other hand, this disorder tends to trigger a number of other annoying symptoms whose intensity varies depending on the triggering cause. The most common are:
- Feeling of heaviness and tiredness in the legs
- Tingling, itching and cramps
- Legs red and warm to the touch
- Pain that increases when some physical exertion is made
- Appearance of varices and visible capillaries
Tips to relieve swollen legs in a natural way
When swollen legs are a symptom of some condition, it may be necessary to resort to anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs to remedy them.
But regardless of the cause, the following tips may help you in dealing with the problem. Mark them!
1. Raise your legs
Lifting your legs for a few minutes can help reactivate blood circulation. This facilitates venous return.
In addition, this simple exercise helps to relax the muscles and releases the feeling of tension.
2. Use comfortable shoes
The use of comfortable and breathable shoes can decrease the phenomenon of swollen legs.
- For this reason, instead of using shoes with heels or narrow shoes, the ideal is to use flat shoes of the right size
3. Increase your water consumption
Drinking between six and eight glasses of water a day can relieve swollen legs by regulating these inflammatory imbalances affecting the lower body.
In fact, the liquid stimulates the lymphatic system and promotes the correct elimination of excess fluids in the tissues.
4. Take cold showers
Perhaps not everyone knows that one of the best natural therapies to relieve swollen legs is the application of cold water.
- This temperature stimulates blood flow and prevents complications such as varicose veins.
- It also relaxes the muscles and reduces pain.
5. Take diuretics
All diuretic foods, such as pineapple, celery or artichoke, are perfect for fighting fluid retention that affects the legs.
- Due to their ability to stimulate kidney function, they increase urine production and regulate fluids
6. Exercise
As we know, physical exercise has various benefits in relation to inflammatory disorders that produce limitations in the movements of the legs.
First, it helps fight overweight, which triggers inflammation.
- In addition, it fights fluid retention and promotes circulation
7. Epsom salts
Baths with Epsom salts are the classic remedy for relieving swollen legs.
- These act as muscle relaxants, decreasing stiffness and tension.
- In addition, the mild analgesic effect calms pain and promotes rest.
8. Do massages
Practicing massages, preferably with essential oils, stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory functions.
- This promotes the containment of inflammation in the legs and promotes the elimination of toxins, liquids and other waste that cause this symptom.
Finally, don’t forget to consult your doctor if leg swelling persists. Sometimes, even if you follow these tips, complications can arise from more serious undiagnosed ailments.
