Home Remedies for Swollen Feet
Swollen feet is a common problem that anyone can suffer from. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. Usually, this problem arises when fluid accumulates in the tissues, leading to swelling known as edema.
This can occur for several reasons, such as being overweight, standing or sitting for long periods of time, aging, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), nutritional deficiencies, lack of physical exercise and poor blood circulation.
An injury or surgery involving the leg, ankle or a foot can also cause swelling in your feet.
People who have diabetes, heart problems, kidney or liver disease, and pregnant women are more prone to this problem.
As the swelling increases, it can cause general discomfort and people may find it difficult to walk or stand. Other symptoms may include pain, inflammation and redness in the feet.
Luckily, there are plenty of effective tips and remedies to treat swollen feet at home, so you can get back out and enjoy the world.
However, if the swelling is painful or occurs often, consult your doctor. It can be a sign of heart, kidney or liver problems that may need timely treatment.
Epsom Salt Foot Soak for Swelling :-
- Epsom salt is one of the best remedies for swollen feet.
- It not only treats swelling but also alleviates pain and discomfort in your feet.
- Magnesium sulfate present in Epsom salt gets easily absorbed and improve blood circulation which reduces fluid build up and helps you get rid of swollen feet.
- You just need to soak your feet in some warm water mixed with Epsom salt.
Contrast Hydrotherapy Relaxes Swollen Feet :-
- Contrast hydrotherapy refers to the exercising of tissues using quick changes in temperature.
- This is the best thing to do when your feet gets swollen due to injury.
- You need to use both warm water and cold water to reduce the swelling of feet in this therapy.
- Cold water reduces swelling and inflammation and warm water promotes healthy blood circulation.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Swollen Feet :-
- Apple cider vinegar is used in innumerable home remedies for various medical conditions.
- This is one of the liquids that is loaded with various nutrients including potassium, pectin, malic acid, calcium, acetic acid and ash.
- Why is apple cider vinegar good for relieving feet swelling is because of its potassium content.
- Many studies have shown that potassium deficiency can lead to edema.
- When your body lacks potassium, water starts filling into the cells and lead to swelling in different parts of your body, including feet.
- There are many ways to use apple cider vinegar for swollen feet.
Lymph Massage Therapy for your Swollen Feet :-
- Lymph system in our bodies help collect and eliminate waist through proper circulation.
- However, when this lymph circulation is not up to the mark, excess fluids build up, especially in the lower parts of the body including feet due to gravitational force.
- Waste byproducts also build up in the body which further facilitates fluid retention leading to swelling.
- To improve the poor lymph circulation, give your legs and feet a good lymphatic massage.
Soak in Tonic Water :-
- This one might sound a little odd, but soaking in room temperature – or cold, if it’s not too uncomfortable – tonic water can help with swelling.
- The quinine and the bubbles can help reduce inflammation, and frankly just soaking your poor, swollen feet feels great!
Contrast Hydrotherapy :-
- This type of hydrotherapy, which includes both cold and warm water, is highly effective for reducing swelling in your feet.
- While the warm water helps improve circulation, cold water helps reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Fill 2 foot tubs– one with cold water and the other with warm water.
- Soak your feet in the warm water for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Immediately put your feet in the cold water for about 1 minute.
- Continue alternating for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Repeat a few times daily until you get relief.
Ginger :-
- Ginger is a natural diuretic that helps treat swollen feet.
- It helps dilute sodium, a major contributing factor behind swelling.
- In addition, its anti-inflammatory property helps reduce swelling.
- Massage your swollen feet with ginger oil when massaging a few times daily.
- You can also drink 2 to 3 cups of ginger tea or chew some raw ginger slices.
Dandelion :-
- The diuretic property of dandelion helps the body metabolize extra fluids, making it a great remedy for swollen feet.
- According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, dandelion has a diuretic effect that helps treat water retention.
- It also helps regulate the sodium level in the body.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried dandelion leaves in a cup of hot water. Cover, steep for 5 minutes and strain it. Drink this herbal tea 2 or 3 times a day.
- You can also take dandelion tincture or supplements, but only after consulting a doctor.
Lymph Drainage Exercises :-
- It’s not only the lymph massage that can help relieve swollen feet.
- Even exercises can help in lymph drainage.
- These exercise work against the gravitational pull which leads to fluid retention in your lower body parts such as feet and ankles. It is as simple as raising your feet.
Chamomile oil :-
- It has a component called azulene having anti-inflammatory properties.
- Thus, it is good for swollen feet remedy.
- It is one among a few essential oils that can be directly used on skin without carrier oil.
- Massage your feet with 1-2 drops of chamomile oil
- You can also mix 1-2 drops of this oil with water and then soak a cloth in it. Then use it as a compress for your swollen feet.