Swelling is a common problem that many people have that can be uncomfortable and painful. Even with all the precautions, sometimes swelling becomes inevitable. But with at-home remedies to make the swelling go down, you can get instant relief and stop the further damage of tissues and also reduce swelling. Sometimes swelling is pain-free, but if there is severe pain along with swelling then, natural remedies for swelling are the best way to go. Go through this article for the best home remedies to reduce swelling.
What Is Swelling:
Enlargement of various body parts or skin is often referred to as Swelling, and it is usually a result of inflammation or fluid build up in your body. The medical term of swelling is “Edema”. Several reasons can result in external swelling: injury, insect bites, or illness being prominent reasons, whereas side effects of medication or severe damage may result in internal swelling.
Causes Of Swelling:
There are many reasons for a swollen ankle that may or may not be painless. Edema causes fluid in your legs that result in swelling in your feet or ankles. Many things affect your body internally and externally that cause swollen feet; they are:
- Pregnancy.
- Hormonal changes.
- Ill-fitted footwear.
- If you stand on your feet for too long.
- Infection.
- Retention of fluid in your legs.
- Medical conditions like kidney & heart failure.
- Allergic reaction to a medication.
- Knee injury.
Home Remedies for Swelling:
Here is a list of home remedies to get rid of swelling that is simple and easy to follow. With all the reasons listed above that cause swelling, go through the swelling treatment at home that can be observed quickly.
1. Magnesium Supplements:
Water retention is one of the primary reasons that result in swelling, and if you are retaining water, then that means your body has a magnesium deficiency. By including at least, 200 to 400 milligrams of Magnesium into your diet will help reduce the shortfall. Although there are magnesium supplements for swelling available in the market, it is better to consult a doctor before you start taking some as it might not be suitable for everyone. Spinach, Broccoli, Cashews, Almonds, Tofu, Dark chocolate are some of the magnesium-rich foods that can be included in your diet to add it naturally, making it the best home remedy for swelling. (1)
2. Epsom Bath Salt:
Epsom salt is one of the natural cures for swelling that is affordable and easy to use if done appropriately. It consists of three prominent chemical compounds like magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen and is also known as Magnesium sulfate. Epsom salt bath for swelling is generally used by soaking your swollen body parts in the bathing salt mixed water. It is considered as one of the best natural remedies for swollen feet due to injury. (2)
Ingredients:
- Two cups of Epsom salt.
- A big tub of water to take a bath.
How To Use:
- Add the Epsom salt to the tub of water.
- You can take a bath staying in the water for 15 minutes until you feel relaxed.
- You can also take a small tub and add Epsom salt and soak just your legs if they are swollen.
3. Drink Plenty Of Water:
You may think how can drinking plenty of fluids reduce swelling when water retention causes them. Water retention occurs only when there is not enough water in your body, and therefore your body holds on to every drop of water resulting in swelling. Accordingly, drinking water is one of the natural ways to reduce swelling in feet. By making a few changes in your diet like eating vegetables and fruits that give your body plenty of water in a natural way.
4. Maintain A Healthy Weight:
Obesity is one of the major concerns for many people, and it may result in many health issues. Restricted blood flow is another issue that arises with excess weight resulting in lower extremities getting swollen. Therefore maintaining a healthy weight is the best remedy for swelling. Many people neglect the minor swelling that may cause a build-up of fluid, causing severe pain. If you are obese, your legs may not be able to bear the weight, causing swelling. Consult your doctor to get tips about healthily losing weight. (3)
5. Walking & Exercise:
There are many professions in which employees will have to sit or stand for long durations, causing swollen feet. This is the reason why walking and exercise is considered a popular remedy to reduce swelling at home. If you are working in an office space that requires you to sit for extended periods, then you need to make sure to take a walk every hour for at least 10 minutes. It is necessary so that there is enough blood circulation in your lower extremities, thereby reducing the chances of swelling. Exercise is the best way to reduce swelling.
6. Foods Rich In Pottasium:
Potassium in our body plays a vital role in decreasing sodium in your body, producing urine, thereby reducing the water retention. High blood pressure and conservation of water are the side effects of potassium deficiency in your body that cause swelling. Including foods that are a rich source of potassium and is an edema treatment at home in an all-natural way. It is one of the best home remedies for swelling hands and all over the body too. Sweet potatoes, bananas, chicken, salmon, white beans, pistachios are some of the foods that you can include in your diet. Consult a doctor before you include potassium-rich foods if you have any dietary restrictions. (4)
8. Adequate Rest When You Are Injured:
If you have an injury that has resulted in swelling, then it indicates that you need plenty of rest for your body to recover. There will be damage in your skin cells when there is an injury, try not to exert any pressure on the injured foot for at least 2 to 3 days so that your foot can have time to heal. Rest is another perfect home remedies for foot swelling and pain that makes the healing process much more comfortable.
9. Ginger To Reduce Swelling:
Ginger is an ingredient that is available in every household. The anti-inflammatory properties of this readily available ingredient that gives you quick relief for swollen feet by promoting blood circulation that helps reduce the swelling along with many other benefits. It also consists of gingerol that is considered a pain-reducing element that allows your swollen muscles to relax. (5)
Ingredients:
- Spoonful ginger oil.
- Few drops olive oil.
How To prepare:
- Mix the olive oil and ginger oil in a bowl.
- You can use this mixture to massage your swollen area gently.
- Repeat this procedure for 3 to 4 times a day for a 5 to 10-minute massage.
- Ginger tea can also be prepared to speed up the healing process.
See More: How To Get Rid Of Water Retention in Leg
10. Warm Oil Massage:
Massaging can be one of the best home remedies for swollen hands and legs. An oil massage can be very beneficial on your injury-prone hands or legs that result in swelling. By gently massaging your affected area with firm strokes, it enhances your blood circulation, relaxes your muscles, and is considered one of the popular home remedies for swelling feet. (6)
Procedure:
- You can use some prescribed ayurvedic oil or mustard oil.
- Warm up the oil and gently massage the swollen area for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Make sure you press the area gently without exerting too much pressure.
- Repeat the process five times a day.
11. Turmeric In Healing Swelling:
Turmeric has antiseptic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is readily available in every household. All the beneficial properties of turmeric have a positive effect on swelling, and it reduces pain too. It is an easy and natural way to relieve swollen feet and can be consumed by adding a half spoon turmeric and honey to a glass of milk.
Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons turmeric.
- Required amount of coconut oil.
Procedure:
- Mix the turmeric powder and coconut oil in a bowl and prepare a paste.
- Apply the paste on the swollen area and let it dry.
- Wash it off with warm water.
- Repeat the process 3 to 4 times a day.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar:
The anti-inflammatory and alkaline properties of Apple Cider Vinegar or also known as ACV works perfectly as one of the most preferred home remedies to reduce swelling. Application on your affected area and consumption of Apple cider vinegar both are effective in reducing the swelling. Though its taste is tough to get used to many people, prefer apple cider vinegar for feet swelling.
Ingredients:
- Take equal parts of ACV and water.
- A bowl for heating.
Procedure:
- Mix equal parts of ACV and water in a bowl and heat it on low flame.
- Pour the contents into a thick towel and wrap it around the swollen area for at least 10 minutes.
- Repeat the process for at least three times a day.
See More: Home Remedies For Foot Pain
13. Cold Compress:
Ice has a numbing effect on the painful and swollen area of your body. If you are suffering from any injury that results in swelling, then a cold compress for swelling feet can be an obvious option. It reduces the swelling and inflammation in the affected area by numbing the affected nerve making it a natural treatment for swelling.
Required Things:
- Some ice cubes.
- A soft and thick towel.
Procedure:
- Take a towel and wrap it up with some ice cubes.
- Apply the ice pack on the swollen area for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat the process for at least 4-5 times a day.
- Be sure not to apply ice directly on the skin.
14. Elevation Reduces Swelling:
The elevation is an effective and secure therapy that can provide with the hassle-free home remedies for edema. By elevating the swollen part of your body, the fluids and blood flow are improved to a great extent that provides you much-needed comfort from pain.
Procedure:
- To relieve swelling of your legs or hands, you can use cushions.
- Place these cushions under the swollen body part.
- Using a stool is another option.
15. Pineapple And Pomegranate Juice:
Pineapple can protect your body from the free radicles as it is a rich source of vitamin C. whereas pomegranate has abundant vitamin C along with anti-oxidants. This fruit combination has high anti-irritant enzymes and anti-inflammatory properties that help speed up the healing process making it one of the top natural remedies for edema.
Ingredients:
- Slices of pineapple.
- A full bowl of pomegranate.
- Some water.
Procedure:
- Add the fruits and some water to a blender.
- Blend the contents until it forms a smooth consistency.
- You can drink it thick like a smoothie or can dilute it and consume it like a juice.
Compression:
One of the magical methods to reduce swelling is by restricting blood flow and fluids to the swollen area by applying pressure. Compression socks for swelling are the best example of this process. You can either directly buy compression socks from the market or use ACE wrap that can be found in any medical store. The only thing you need to remember is not to wrap these bandages too tight, which mas result in complete loss of blood circulation.
When To Consult A Doctor:
You can address simple swelling problems with our home remedies. It is necessary to consult a doctor on an urgent basis if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty breathing, feeling dizzy along with swelling can indicate severe heart disease or blood clot in your lungs.
By following the home remedies mentioned in this article, you can achieve the much-needed relief from swelling in any part of your body. Swelling can also be the result of injury in your hands or legs. Therefore with the help of home remedies to reduce swelling can be very practical and useful that can result in the reduction of swelling and the pain associated with it too.
FAQ’S:
1. Can Swelling In Legs Be Dangerous?
Ans. Persistent swelling that lasts more than three weeks can be considered chronic and needs medical attention immediately. Depending on the situation, your doctor will prescribe either medication or physical therapy.
2. Is Swelling A Reaction Of The Body Caused Due To Injury?
Ans. When you have an injured body part, there is an increased movement of white blood cells and fluid, which is called swelling. It is a way for your body to protect the particular body part from getting injured any further.
3. Is Edema Permanent?
Ans. Depending on the reason due to which it is caused, edema can be both temporary and permanent. If the reason for swelling is an allergic reaction to a medication, then if the consumption of the medicine is stopped, the swelling automatically comes down.
