What Causes Swollen Feet?

There can be several causes for painful and swollen feet and legs – ill-fitting footwear, injuries, infections, lifestyle factors, pregnancy, staying on your feet for longer, obesity, and certain medical conditions. When fluid starts accumulating in tissues, your ankles and feet start swelling and this condition is called oedema. Fortunately, the symptoms of oedema can be treated at home with these seven easy, yet effective, swollen feet remedies.

Wear Copper Compression Socks

The healing properties of copper when infused with compression socks efficiently aid in alleviating painful and swollen feet and ankles. Wearing copper compression socks for oedema helps promote better circulation of blood and oxygen and supports the joint to be more stable. These copper socks apply gentle pressure to soothe swollen feet and provide insulation to swollen ankles.

Elevate Your Feet to Reduce Swelling

Lift your feet up and place them on an ottoman to reduce swollen feet and ankles. Different yoga poses that involve leg raises are also an effective cure for swollen feet. You can also raise your legs and press them against the wall for 15 minutes every day to alleviate the pain and swelling.

Exercise to Improve Blood Circulation

If you remain seated or standing in one place for long hours, it can aggravate the pain and swelling. Exercising involves movement and flexing of feet which helps relieve the swelling. You can also consider swimming to improve the flow of fluid in your body.

Lose Weight to Lessen Water Retention

Losing weight will not only reduce the swelling in your feet and ankles, but it will also improve your overall health significantly. Losing excess weight will also reduce the retention of water in the body and decrease the pressure exerted on your joints and muscles, thereby improving your foot health considerably. From this, you already know the importance of your exercise. If you’re not so sure how to take this journey to wellness, Total Shape has fitness plans to make it easy and bearable for you to achieve your health goals.

Soak Your Feet in Cold Water for Pain Relief

Soak your feet and ankles in cold water filled with Epsom salt for 15 minutes to relieve swollen feet and legs. Epsom salt draws out all the toxins and helps reduce muscle pain, swelling, and inflammation while increasing relaxation. But, if you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, avoid exposing your feet to extreme temperatures.

Increase Your Water Intake

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day to avoid swollen feet and legs. Drinking water will help dilute the salt that contributes to swelling and help flush things out. You can also try adding some lemon and cucumber slices to water, as both fruits have anti-inflammatory properties which fight the swelling safely and effectively.

Consume Potassium-Rich Foods and Cut Back on Salt

Potassium deficiency promotes water retention and invites high blood pressure. So, if you suffer from swollen feet and ankles, it is a good idea to eat potassium-rich foods. These include sweet potatoes, bananas, salmon, white beans, chicken, and pistachios. You can also swap your soda with orange juice. But if you have any medical condition, consult your doctor before you add potassium to your daily diet.

Swollen feet and legs have no lasting complications and the condition is usually reversible with medications and a few lifestyle changes. Try making these seven simple changes as they will significantly reduce swelling and make your everyday life easy.

Author Bio

Kunal is a young and passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Clothing a brand that’s recognized across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone.