Home Remedies for Swollen Feet: 10 Ways to Reduce the Swelling

Painless swelling is a common occurrence that can happen for a variety of reasons. What causes swollen feet could be anything from standing or sitting for too long, ill-fitting shoes to lifestyle factors such as too much alcohol, obesity, and diabetes. When you are pregnant, swollen feet and ankles is an expected side effect.

Swelling, also called edema, happens when fluid accumulates in your tissues. While edema is not painful, it can be quite uncomfortable to wait until it resolves on its own. These home remedies may reduce the swelling much faster so you can have a comfortable night's sleep.

Compression socks apply relative pressure on your feet and improve blood flow. You can buy a pair in a drug store and wear it whenever you are out and about.

Pure Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, which gets into your body and sucks out all toxins. This improves blood flow and reduces water retention leading to reduced swelling. Add a teaspoon of salt in warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes.

Ideally, taking 8-10 glasses of water a day flushes out toxins and stop water retention. However, adding some lemon and cucumber slices makes the process much more efficient. Lemon cleans out the body while cucumber comes with anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling.

This timeless plan against swelling still works. If your feet and ankles swell often, put them up when you get home. You could start with an ottoman when you sit down and place a few pillows under your feet when you sleep.

Magnesium deficiency is a significant cause of the swelling. Adding magnesium-rich food in your diet can help reduce instances of swelling. Almonds, tofu, cashews, spinach, broccoli, avocado, and dark chocolate are among the richest magnesium food. In the meantime, you can try 200-400 mg magnesium supplements.

Massaging your feet activates the lymphatic system and improves blood circulation. Start by stroking your feet towards your heart gently but firmly.

As the name suggests, contrast bath therapy is immersing your feet in hot water and cold water alternately. Start with dipping in cold water for 5 minutes and switch to hot water for another 5 minutes and then alternate again.

Make a paste with baking soda and rice water and apply on your feet generously for 20 minutes. Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain while rice water sponges up the accumulated fluid from your tissues.

Studies have it that grapefruit essential oils have antioxidative properties that reduce swelling fast. Drop 2-3 drops in a warm bath and soak your feet.

Coriander seeds are a popular Ayurvedic treatment for many conditions, including swelling. Add two teaspoons of coriander seeds in a cup of water, boil until the water is half a cup, and drink up.

Combining two of these home remedies will provide faster relief to swelling. However, if none of the remedies are working or the swelling is accompanied by pain, fever, infrequent urination, nausea, and chest tightness, you should immediately see a doctor.

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