Swollen Legs Treatments and Lifestyle Changes
Swollen legs are caused by a buildup of water or fluid in the legs. There are many different causes. Swelling of the legs can be caused by allergies, medications, varicose veins, poor diet, too much sodium, and more serious conditions like heart failure or kidney disease. Often the doctor will give you a physical exam to determine the cause of the swelling. Sometimes blood tests X-rays, ultrasound, and urine analysis are required.
Mild edema requires lifestyle changes and more serious conditions require prescriptions medications called diuretics. There are many different lifestyle changes you can make daily that will help with swollen legs.
Lifestyle Changes For Swollen Legs
You can begin by wearing proper shoes and stockings that help support your legs. Compression or support stockings are designed to help with swelling caused by varicose veins and edema. They put pressure on the legs and veins in the swollen locations relieving pressure and increasing circulation. These stocking are comfortable to wear and relive pain in swollen. These stocking are used to treat deep vein thrombosis, edema, varicose veins, phlebitis, arthritis, and other conditions caused by swollen legs.
Exercise is another way to help ease the pain associated with swollen legs. A daily walk of about 20 to 30 minutes increases muscle activity. Walk near your home or at a park or nearby walking trail. Take classes in low key aerobics or yoga at a nearby facility. This provides movement and helps with blood circulation.
Elevate your feet above the level of your heart several times a day using a pillow. Try leg wedges they are special cushions place under the legs. They are used to elevate your legs when sleeping. Don’t stand or sit in one position too long. Get up and walk around more frequently at work or home.
Diet and Swollen Legs
Change your diet and eat foods that help reduce swelling. Cut back and limit your salt intake substitute herbs and spices for added flavor. Use oils that are high in oleic acid and omega 9 fatty acids like olive, grape, and avocado oil when cooking and in salads. Eat more fish like salmon, red snapper, tuna, halibut and bass. Add more nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetable to your diet. Vegetable like asparagus, green beans, parsley, pineapple, and onions act as a natural diuretic.
If you suffer from pain from leg swelling daily due to a variety of conditions, a pair of compression stockings will help with the pain and swelling in your legs. They are made in different levels of compression to treat different conditions. Oriole Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center crafts a specialized treatment plan which included compression garments to offer you the best treatment available for individual needs. Call, 416-221-0772 for more information about our compression stockings.