6 Remedies For Swelling In Legs, Ankles And Feet
Ankles, feet and legs are parts of the body that tend to swell more often than other body parts. Not only do they swell because they carry the weight of your body, but they are affected by your diet, hormonal changes and certain types of health disorders. Swelling of the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by fluid retention, which can create a buildup of toxins and wastes that can aggravate the swelling.
There are many things that can affect the swelling in the lower body parts. Among the causes we find pregnancies, overweight and obesity, standing for too long and of course, fluid accumulations in the body. Sometimes you need to be very careful about this type of swelling, as it can be a symptom of a more serious disorder, such as liver disease, blood clots in the leg or lymphedema.
If your feet or ankles remain swollen for a long time, it is important that you consult your doctor to find the root of the problem. In other cases where the swellings are short-lived, the following natural remedies can be very helpful when reducing the swellings to normal size.
Remedies for swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
Exercise
Although swelling in the ankles, feet and legs can be painful, lack of physical activity will aggravate the condition. Contrary to many people’s beliefs, exercise is one of the best ways to reduce and remove swelling in the lower body. When you exercise, you improve blood circulation and prevent disorders such as blood clots.
- Recommendation: Start swimming! This is low intensity exercise that will not put more pressure on your ankles, feet and legs.
Improve your diet and reduce your salt intake
Proper food is the key to good health, better circulation and prevention of disorders that affect the lower body parts. As you probably know, excessive intake of salt or sodium can be one of the main causes of fluid retention and the accumulation of toxins in the body. It is very important that you reduce your salt intake, which does not just come from the salt crystals in the box – many foods you buy in the store contain large amounts of salt and sodium.
- Recommendation : There are many alternatives to salt and alternative dishes and recipes that can reduce the health impact of salt. Build a healthier diet to avoid obesity and, in the worst case, obesity.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a popular plant known to be diuretic and detoxifying. It can help against fluid retention, and hence also reduce swelling in the ankles, feet and legs.
- Recommendation : Make tea with dandelion and drink three cups of this tea per day. You can also apply the liquid directly to the swollen area with a cloth or towel.
English salt
One of the more classic and excellent treatments for swelling in the lower body parts is English salt ( Epsom salt editor’s note). It makes the limbs relax, reduces inflammation and promotes good circulation. It will therefore prevent diseases and other problems.
- Recommendation : Put a cup of English salt in the bath water and lie in the water for at least 15 minutes. If the swelling only affects the ankles and feet, you can have salt in a foot bath instead, and have your feet in the bath for 20 minutes.
Aloe vera
This plant has many good benefits for the body, both inside and out. One of its most important properties is its ability to fight inflammation and remove toxins. This can help fight fluid retention in the lower body parts.
- Recommendation: Scrape the jelly from the leaf of an aloe plant and eat two teaspoons of it in the morning on an empty stomach, mixed with either water or juice. Another option is to apply the gel directly on the swollen area.
Massage
Foot and leg massage can be very relaxing. It stimulates blood circulation and helps the body get rid of fluid retention. Massage with soft but firm movements, and always in the direction of the heart.
Recommendation: Use essential oils when massaging swollen limbs for better results. Some essential oils that have anti-inflammatory properties are:
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Lemon
- Lavender
