If you have ever suffered from edema, you know how painful it can be. Edema is a swelling of the legs, ankles and feet, unrelated to an injury. Although this condition does not pose a major problem, it can still cause discomfort and signal a serious health problem. If you want to know different home remedies to treat leg and foot edema, you are on the right page.
What is edema?
Edema refers to the accumulation or dilation of interstitial fluid in organs or tissues. It is common in the feet due to the effect of gravity, but it can also affect the arms, face, hands and abdomen.
Edema is a common side effect of pregnancy and is also a warning sign of other more serious diseases, such as liver failure and heart problems. Malignant and inflammatory diseases can also be the cause. People suffering from heart failure, kidney disease, cirrhosis or diabetes also have an increased risk of developing edema.
The best home remedies to treat leg and foot edema
We have compiled some of the best ways to relieve swelling in your legs and feet.
Stay hydrated
When you deprive yourself of water, your body stores it instead of eliminating it through urine or sweat. This reaction causes swelling. If you suffer from edema, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to get rid of it.
It is also advisable to avoid alcohol. This is because alcohol tends to dehydrate the body, forcing it to eliminate fluids from the blood faster than other fluids. These fluids circulate in the renal system, which includes the bladder, ureter and kidneys.
Soak your legs in a salt bath
Epsom salt can work wonders for eliminating edema. It is effective against leg swelling because it removes toxins from the body and promotes relaxation.
To make a salt bath, dissolve a cup of Epsom salt in a tub of warm water. Then, soak your legs in the water for at least 20 minutes.
Eliminate suspected food allergies
If you experience swelling, it could be due to food allergies. Common food allergies include dairy products, soy, corn and wheat. Try eliminating these foods for a few weeks and assess if you notice a significant difference in your condition.
Invest in compression socks
Compression socks apply continuous pressure to your legs and feet. This pressure prevents fluid from accumulating in your legs. They are also effective in preventing blood clot formation.
Compression socks are easy to find in pharmacies or online, and there is a wide range of weights and compressions. As a general rule, start with compression socks containing between 12 and 15 mm, or between 15 and 20 mm of mercury.
Move
Exercise is essential to prevent edema. It promotes proper muscle function, which promotes good blood circulation in the body.
Whenever possible, avoid sitting or standing for too long. Instead, get up frequently and walk a bit, or try to stretch your legs.
Reduce salt intake
High sodium intake is detrimental to health. It causes water retention, which leads to swelling. Try to reduce your consumption of processed foods like fast food. If you cook at home, flavor your dishes with herbs and spices instead.
Try lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage massage helps relieve the problem of water retention by manipulating certain areas of your body to increase the flow of lymphatic fluids.
There are different lymphatic drainage techniques, such as unidirectional pump, long effleurages and kneading. These techniques use hands or instruments to pump or massage the lymph nodes in the legs.
Elevate your feet
Edema is a sign of excessive water retention in your body. One of the best home remedies for treating leg and foot edema is to elevate these areas to promote drainage.
To do this, elevate your feet with a pillow or a footrest. Try to keep them elevated for 30 minutes to an hour if possible.
Wear loose clothing
Avoid clothing that is too tight or too restrictive. Opt for loose clothing that does not restrict your movement. This allows lymph and blood to circulate freely.
It is also recommended to avoid wearing shoes that are too tight. Instead, opt for bare feet or flat sandals.
Try magnesium supplements or magnesium-rich foods
One of the causes of swelling is magnesium deficiency. Different types of magnesium supplements are available on the market. You can find supplements to dissolve in water or in tablet form.
It is also advisable to increase your consumption of magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy vegetables and legumes.
Monitor your weight
Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for edema. If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce swelling in your legs.
If you are overweight, make sure you have a balanced diet and burn excess calories through exercise.
Increase your potassium intake
A healthy potassium intake can also help relieve edema. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, sweet potatoes, beans and spinach, among others.
Another simple way to increase your potassium intake is to take food supplements. You can find potassium supplements in pharmacies.
When should you consult a doctor?
Consult a doctor immediately if the swelling is accompanied by fever and pain, if the pain worsens over the days or if the edema is accompanied by swelling of the face or body.
Keep in mind that edema can be a symptom of several diseases. Therefore, if you experience pain or swelling and are unable to relieve it with the best home remedies to treat leg and foot edema, consult a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
Sources: Center for vascular medicine
