Hot or cold water for swollen feet during pregnancy: 5 ways to manage swollen legs and feet during pregnancy | Your Pregnancy Matters

21.05.202126.07.2023 by alexxlab

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5 ways to manage swollen legs and feet during pregnancy | Your Pregnancy Matters

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MedBlog

Your Pregnancy Matters

September 14, 2021

Your Pregnancy Matters

Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M. D.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

The additional weight and hormones you experience during pregnancy can cause swelling and structural changes in your feet.

Of all the body parts you expect to get bigger during pregnancy, feet might not be at the top of your list. But most pregnant women experience swelling in their lower legs and feet.

If your ankles appear puffy and your shoes don’t feel quite right, you’re not imagining things. The additional fluid and blood your body creates to support healthy fetal growth also slows down blood circulation. That can cause blood to accumulate in your lower extremities, causing swelling.

During pregnancy, you also produce more relaxin, a hormone that helps your tendons, ligaments, joints, and muscles – you guessed it – relax. While relaxin helps your pelvis open to give birth, it also loosens the tendons and ligaments in your feet.

The combination of extra weight and hormones during pregnancy can cause your feet not only to widen but also flatten and lengthen. Leg or ankle swelling likely will decrease a week or two after your baby is born, but your feet may never be the same again.

Studies have shown that pregnancy can cause a permanent decrease in your arch and increase in foot length – typically only after a woman’s first pregnancy.

While more research is needed to determine whether these structural changes can be prevented, there are a few things you can do throughout your pregnancy to reduce swelling and feel more comfortable.

Coping with swollen legs and feet during pregnancy

1. Wear compression socks

Wearing 15-20mmHG compression socks that end at your knee can help alleviate achiness. The socks gradually increase pressure in your legs and move some of the excess fluid back into your blood vessels and the rest of your body.

Avoid socks with a tight band at the top. The tightness might worsen swelling by blocking blood return. That can increase your risk of developing a blood clot – which is already five times higher during pregnancy. You don’t need to purchase medical-grade socks, but you can find a good pair of compression socks for $10-$20.

Compression socks also can prevent the formation of new varicose veins, which occur in 15% of pregnant women for the same reason that causes swelling. The risk doubles after your first pregnancy and is four times higher in women over 35. These veins start out as little bumps under your skin; the socks squeeze them just enough to prevent backward blood flow and bulging. Existing varicose veins aren’t likely to shrink, but compression socks can reduce the pain and discomfort they cause.

2. Rest efficiently

You can easily improve blood circulation during downtime and sleep:

Elevate your legs above heart level while reading, watching TV, or doing other seated activities. The simple change in body position decreases pressure on your veins, which no longer have to work against gravity to send blood to your heart. Use cushions for comfort and elevate in 15- to 20-minute intervals a few times a day.
Sleep on your left side. While you can safely sleep on either side during pregnancy, the left side is often recommended to avoid putting pressure on the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from your lower extremities to your heart.

3. Get your feet wet

Immersing your feet and ankles in cool water for 20 minutes a few times a week can minimize swelling, whether you use a pool, bathtub, or even a large bowl. Bonus: It’s also a great way to deal with the Texas heat if you’re pregnant during the summer.

Be sure the water temperature is moderate and not ice cold. Cooler temperatures cause the smaller blood vessels close to your skin to constrict, which reduces blood flow to and swelling within the affected area. Water that is too cold can have the opposite effect. Whether you stand and sway or sit and dangle your feet, water therapy is a great way to relieve stress and pain.

Related reading: Water immersion during labor

4. Invest in supportive shoes that fit.

Unsupportive and uncomfortable shoes can cause even more leg and foot pain, plus backaches. Even if your feet return to their pre-pregnancy size, you’ll feel more comfortable in shoes that fit your feet and support your additional body weight. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends wearing shoes that:

Have a low heel but are not flat
Provide good arch support, such as athletic shoes

Many patients prefer shoes that have mesh, which allow their feet to breathe, and can easily slip on and off to limit bending over while pregnant. More shoe brands are merging comfort and style, so even the most fashionable patients will have no problem finding footwear they feel good about wearing.

5. Visit a podiatrist or pedicurist.

Another reason to wear shoes that fit: Stress from tight shoes can cause ingrown toenails, and so can infrequent nail trimming. In the first two trimesters you probably won’t have any difficulty trimming your toenails. But once you reach the third trimester, it might get more challenging.

Try propping up your feet on a stool or ask your partner to help trim your toenails. Nail salon gift cards are a great item to add to your baby shower (or sprinkle!) registry, too.

Seeing a podiatrist is another option to prevent or treat painful foot conditions, such as ingrown toenail, bunions, or plantar warts.

When swelling becomes serious

While gradual swelling in your lower and upper extremities is normal, sudden or severe swelling in your face, hands, or feet might be a symptom of preeclampsia. This pregnancy complication involves very high blood pressure.

If you have preeclampsia, you may need to stay in the hospital until you give birth. Delivery is the only way to “treat” preeclampsia. Left untreated, the condition can cause seizures, kidney or liver damage, and in rare cases, death.

Related reading: Postpartum hypertension: When a new mom’s blood pressure is too high

Talk with your doctor about foot and leg swelling, as well as any other pregnancy symptoms. The more we know about your current condition, the more we can help reduce your risk of future complications.

While we can’t fully prevent foot and leg swelling, we can recommend ways to reduce your risk, such as:

Regular exercise
Good-quality sleep
A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Discomfort during pregnancy is to be expected, but our goal is to partner with you to minimize it – as well as the risk of more serious conditions.

To discuss your pregnancy concerns or symptoms with an expert, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.

Hot Or Cold Water For Swollen Feet During Pregnancy?

Medically Reviewed by Jessica Pierce – Registered Nurse & Nationally Registered Paramedic

Growing a new life means that it may not just be your belly getting bigger. Especially towards the end of pregnancy, you might feel like stepping into someone else’s shoes – because your own no longer fit!

In this article, we’re going to talk about swollen feet during pregnancy: why it happens, what to do about it, and when it may be a good idea to seek medical attention.

This article is not a substitute for medical advice.

Should I Use Hot Or Cold Water For Foot Swelling During Pregnancy?

Most conventional wisdom suggests soaking in cool water for relief of swollen feet, but the rules are just a tad bit different during pregnancy.

Due to hormonal changes, most pregnant women have a higher than normal baseline temperature. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it does mean that it’s easier to overheat while there’s a bun in the oven!

During the summer months, soaking feet in cool to cold water is likely to provide greater relief from discomfort. As an additional benefit, cooler temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which in turn leads to less fluid in the extremities – lowering swelling.

Despite this, many pregnancy experts still recommend warm water for those swollen feet.

Overall, it sounds like the jury may still be out on this question. But the good news is, you can soak your tired feet in whatever temperature water feels most comfortable to you (but no extremes!).

How To Manage Swollen Feet During Pregnancy & Reduce Swelling

Here are some of the best home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy¹:

1. Epsom Salt

Fill a large bowl with warm water, then add about half a cup of epsom salt. Soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes once or twice a day to reduce swelling².

For an extra dose of relaxation, add a few drops of an essential oil – but that’s more recommended for second or third trimester (pregnant women should avoid some ingredients like essential oils in first trimester)

For a more intensive treatment for sore feet and swollen ankles, soak a rag in epsom salt solution and apply directly to the affected area.

2. Sleeping Position

Sleep on your left side, if able. Especially during the third trimester of pregnancy, the weight of the uterus can press on a large vein called the inferior vena cava while you’re lying down.

This isn’t particularly dangerous, but it does make it more difficult for blood from the lower extremities to get back to the heart which can contribute to swelling of the feet and legs.

3. Move Around

Try some light exercise to prevent swelling. Moving around gets blood flowing around your body more efficiently, making it less likely to pool in the veins of your feet and legs.

4. Stay Hydrated

It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking plenty of water can actually reduce swelling! As you become dehydrated, your kidneys signal that you need more fluid, leading to water retention and making swelling worse.

5. Your Diet

Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, which are very high in sodium (aka salt). It may be necessary to reduce sodium intake just a bit during pregnancy, as too much can lead to fluid retention and swelling during pregnancy.

On the flip side, make sure that your potassium intake is adequate. Potassium is a very important mineral as it helps to regulate the water ratio in your body.

6. What To Wear

If you’re already dealing with foot swelling during pregnancy, here are some tips to minimize discomfort and provide some pain relief:

Wear comfortable shoes. Stick to a low heel with good arch support. If you’ve ever needed a reason to buy a new pair of cute memory foam sneakers, this is it!

Here’s another important consideration: your center of gravity shifts forward while you’re pregnant, which means those high stiletto heels will be even more difficult to walk in.

Speaking of what to wear, it may be a good idea to invest in some compression socks. Compression socks reduce swelling by applying gentle, graduated pressure all around your legs to help push extra fluid in the feet back towards the heart.

However, make sure that the top of the socks aren’t tight around your calves as this will actually impair circulation, making swelling worse. Some moms prefer to wear waist high compression stockings to prevent this from occurring.

7. Massage

Try a relaxing foot massage. Head to the spa or salon for a pedicure, or ask your partner to rub your feet after a long day. Essential oils (just a few drops) are a great addition to a massage.

8. Swimming

Take a dip in the pool – the water pressure surrounding your feet and legs can provide some relief from the discomfort of swelling during pregnancy. Walking around in water is also a great way to get some low impact exercise in³!

Does Hot Water Help Swollen Pregnant Feet?

Warm water has been shown to help with reducing foot swelling during pregnancy. Not only does it reduce swelling, but it also provides relief from soreness and achiness.

Many moms notice that they get the best relief for their swollen feet by doing warm water soaks during pregnancy. In short, yes, warm water can help – just make sure it’s not too hot to avoid burns!

Can I Soak My Feet In Hot Water While Pregnant?

Hot water may feel great on that pregnancy body, but stay away from extreme heat – especially in hot weather. However, coupling a warm soak with a refreshing foot massage is not likely to pose any dangers for you, your feet, or your baby.

Is Heat Or Ice Better For Pregnancy Swelling?

Typically, heat is a bit better for swelling during pregnancy. Cooler treatments like a cold compress may feel better during hot weather, and can help prevent overheating; however, it’s best to avoid ice cold temperatures as these can constrict blood flow and be painful.

What Causes Swollen Feet In Pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume increases by 50% to provide blood to her growing baby. However, this also leads to increased blood flow throughout the entire body.

To compensate for the increased blood circulation, excess fluid can “leak” out of the blood vessels and into the tissues of the body. This shows up as foot swelling, ankle swelling, and discomfort of the lower extremities⁴.

During the first trimester, swelling is most likely due to hormonal changes. These natural changes can cause abdominal bloating even before your baby bump starts to show.

In the second trimester, the extra weight of the growing fetus combined with long periods of standing on your feet can contribute to swollen ankles and legs.

However, the third trimester is the time that most women are likely to experience swollen feet. Blood volume and weight have both reached their peak in late pregnancy, so don’t be surprised if swollen ankles and feet are the norm for you during this time!

Typically, swelling of the feet dissipates after giving birth. Occasionally, however, your feet may not return to their pre pregnancy size.

It may be frustrating that your favorite pair of kicks won’t fit your feet any more…but at least you’ve got a great reason to go shoe shopping!

When You Should Consult A Doctor About Swollen Ankles

Swelling of the hands and face, sudden swelling, excessive swelling, blurred vision, or severe headaches can signal a serious condition called preeclampsia, which is caused by high blood pressure⁵.

This can lead to seizures if left untreated, with life-threatening complications for both mom and baby. Preeclampsia is generally treated with a drug called magnesium sulfate, bedrest, and giving birth as quickly as possible.

If you experience severe swelling in just one leg accompanied by redness and/or intense pain, this could indicate a blood clot condition called deep vein thrombosis.

If you are diagnosed with a blood clot in your leg, avoid massaging the area. This could dislodge the clot, which can then travel to other places in your body like the lungs or brain.

In rare cases, clots from the legs can cause a stroke or pulmonary embolism. Your doctor will likely put you on a blood thinning medication to prevent the development of more clots and reduce your risk of complications.

Article By Jessica Pierce, RN

Jessica Pierce is Registered Nurse, Nationally Registered Paramedic, writer, and contemporary dance artist based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She holds two undergraduate degrees from Oral Roberts University – a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (2018) and a Bachelor’s of Art in Dance Performance (2019).

The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.

Resources:

https://utswmed.org/medblog/swollen-feet-during-pregnancy/

https://www.webmd.com/baby/swollen-feet-during-pregnancy-remedies

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/swollen-feet-during-pregnancy

7 Natural Ways to Reduce Swelling in Your Feet While Pregnant

Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.

If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂

Folk remedies for edema

At the end of the day, many feel heaviness in the legs. Yes, and it’s difficult to put on your favorite shoes – the ankles and lower legs swell. What to do if the legs swell? Folk remedies can help relieve discomfort without causing harm to health. Many of them are milder than pharmaceuticals and give a good effect. It remains only to choose which traditional recipes suit you.

Why do my legs swell?

The causes of edema can be very different: from somatic diseases (for example, kidney or heart disease) to hormonal disorders or malnutrition. However, if we talk about the most common causes, then, of course, they include varicose veins.

With varicose veins, the work of venous valves is disrupted, and therefore blood stagnates in the veins. As a result, the walls of the vein stretch and become thinner. Blood stasis leads to an increase in fluid pressure on the vessel from the inside. To reduce it, the liquid exits through the thinned wall into the tissues surrounding the vessel. This is what causes swelling.

Main features of “varicose” edema:

appearance mainly in the evening
increased edema in static position, improved well-being when walking
swelling accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the legs or pain
with “varicose” edema, there is usually no shortness of breath, which is accompanied by cardiac edema

So, now we understand the common causes of leg edema. How to treat folk remedies?

The use of natural diuretics this is limiting salt intake and enriching the diet with products that can gently remove excess water from the body.So, if your legs are swollen in the ankles, then the best folk remedies here are parsley, celery, asparagus, garlic, strawberries, black currants and others. Increasing the consumption of these foods will help get rid of excess fluid.The most effective natural diuretics are cranberries and lingonberries: you can use both the berries themselves and a decoction of the leaves.

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We recommend that you exclude smoked products, strong tea and coffee, and sweets from your diet. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and lean poultry and dairy products. Instead of tea, you can drink a rosehip decoction, as well as take an infusion of cumin seeds or nettle roots. Such a diet will help not only improve the situation with edema, but also normalize weight, which is important if you suffer from varicose veins.

The healing power of water

It is impossible not to remember such a folk remedy for swelling of the legs as baths. Contrast baths or baths with the addition of salts and decoctions can significantly improve the condition of the legs and your well-being.

Contrast baths, when the legs are alternately immersed in either cold or warm water, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and restore their tone. Prepare two small containers, for example, two basins. One should have cold water (10-12 degrees), the second should have warm water (but not hot, the temperature is about 40 degrees). Lower your legs first into one pelvis, then into the other. The time you keep your feet in cold water should be less. If you are just starting to do contrast baths, then you can make the temperature difference not so big.

In addition to contrast baths, foot baths with the addition of:

sea salt and soda have a good decongestant effect
decoction of mint, chamomile and birch leaves
sage decoction (prepared in the proportion of 0.5 cups of herbs per 1 liter of water)

Let’s not forget about compresses

Sometimes compresses can improve swelling. In particular, the healing properties of the cabbage leaf are well known. It can be slightly kneaded with a rolling pin and put on an edematous leg. A good folk remedy for swelling of the legs is an infusion of birch leaves: pour 200 grams of leaves with one liter of boiling water and add a spoonful of salt. When the infusion is ready, you need to moisten the bandages in it and make compresses with them.

Charging!

And of course, if you want to get rid of “varicose” edema, do not forget about physical activity. Just don’t let it be exercises associated with lifting weights – they can adversely affect the condition of the veins. Walking, “scissors” and “bike” exercises, squats, and, of course, swimming, which is absolutely indispensable for varicose veins, will help you relieve swelling and feel better.

And one more important recommendation: approach the treatment of leg edema with folk remedies with caution. In order not to aggravate puffiness and really reduce the severity of the problem, consult a doctor and make sure that you know exactly the cause of your condition. After all, it will depend on which folk remedy for swelling of the legs can be used. Our today’s recommendations concerned those who faced the problem of varicose veins. Take care of yourself and stay healthy!

Swelling of the legs: causes and modern methods of treating edema of the legs :: IVR Blog

Slight swelling of the legs is probably familiar to everyone: by the end of the day, the feet swell a little, a slightly deeper mark from the socks remains. Often they appear after a static load and are temporary. For example, after a long flight in an airplane, a long stay in a sitting or standing position. Such edema does not require treatment and disappears on its own after rest.

However, more and more adults are faced with chronic swelling, which manifests itself regardless of activity and is accompanied by discomfort in the legs. In this case, it is important to immediately consult a doctor in order to timely identify the cause and not miss a serious illness. Why legs swell and how to remove puffiness, we will tell in more detail in this article.

Why legs swell: 6 main causes of leg edema

Edema is a general concept that refers to the pathological accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial space. Not only the legs can swell, but also the internal organs, face, and other areas of the body. Edema itself is not a disease, but a symptom of some problem. The causes of swelling in the legs are different, and they cannot be ignored. Consider the possible options for why the legs swell below.

Sedentary lifestyle

Physical inactivity is the main cause of foot swelling. More and more people, due to a sedentary lifestyle or constant standing work, are faced with circulatory disorders in the legs. We sit a lot, move little, the outflow of blood is disturbed, heaviness in the legs and swelling appear. When naming the causes of edema in women, it is worth remembering the habit of sitting cross-legged or laying one leg under you, as well as uncomfortable shoes. Too high a heel, a narrow toe squeeze the foot, shift the redistribution of the load, thereby worsening blood circulation in the legs. Flat shoes are also contraindicated, especially for sports.

Bad habits

Swelling of the legs occurs in people who smoke a lot, abuse salty and alcohol, do not follow the drinking regimen. All this contributes to thickening of the blood and negatively affects blood circulation in the limbs. This also includes excessive power loads on the legs and excess weight.

Injuries in the leg area

Edema occurs abruptly with dislocation of the limb, with various degrees of fractures, sprains and bruises. As a rule, it goes away on its own with treatment and removal of inflammation. Also, swelling can be the result of trauma, burns or after surgery. In these cases, a person is assigned individual treatment and rehabilitation.

Symptom of diseases of the heart and other organs

Unfortunately, leg swelling is one of the symptoms of many diseases. Among them, the most common:

Cardiac edema – caused by diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system. One of the signs of heart failure is when it becomes difficult to pump blood from the lower extremities to the upper body. In this case, shortness of breath, cyanosis of the skin is manifested.
Renal – caused by a violation of the kidneys, a decrease in their excretory function. Such edema is more pronounced in the morning and practically disappears in the evening. Most often, they are symmetrical on both legs and are accompanied by swelling in the upper body.
Venous and lymphatic – edema caused by blockage of veins, thrombosis, varicose veins, impaired lymph flow in the legs. With these diseases, the swelling is not very strong and is more often expressed on the one hand, not symmetrical. Increases with prolonged standing, accumulates in the evening and is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the foot and calf muscles. Venous edema is soft, mainly located in the ankles and in the lower third of the lower leg. Lymphatic – more dense, distributed over the foot and in the lower part of the leg.
Membrane edema – caused due to increased permeability of capillary membranes. Most often observed with inflammation.
Endocrine – swollen legs in women in the second half of the cycle, as well as in violation of the thyroid gland.

Medications

Medication edema associated with certain medications and hormonal medications. They can be seen in the elderly, as edema is caused by drugs for high blood pressure, statins, diuretics with prolonged use. Pass after the abolition or replacement of the medication.

Pregnancy

Almost every second woman experiences leg swelling during pregnancy. This symptom is considered habitual and is explained by an increase in body weight, an increased load on the legs, as well as an accumulation of blood in the pelvic organs. Sometimes doctors call puffiness a manifestation of late toxicosis.

Other possible causes of swelling of the legs: diseases of the back and joints, lack of protein, hereditary problems.

Symptoms of swelling of the legs: how to determine if you have swelling of the legs

Constant swelling in the legs is the first sign that something is wrong with the veins and the lymphatic system. In this case, the following symptoms may be observed:

feet are poured, shoes become tight, elastic bands of socks are crushed, boots do not fasten;
vascular “snowflakes” on the legs, red capillaries and bluish veins are visible – an alarming signal that there are problems with blood circulation and lymph flow;
aching pain, heaviness;
tingling and discomfort, sore feet;
convulsions, most often nocturnal attacks;
elephant leg.

Types of leg edema

Depending on the causes of edema, edema is divided into the following types:

Mechanical – occur with a mechanical violation of blood circulation and lymph flow. For example, tight shoes, tight clothes, incorrect posture, a tumor that compresses the vein.
Congestive – associated with stagnation of blood in the veins, with an increase in permeability in the vessels. Since blood normally moves from bottom to top, valves in the vessels prevent it from flowing back. But when, for various reasons, the valves are disrupted, the blood moves randomly, stagnates, and edema occurs.
Hydermic – caused by kidney disease and fluid accumulation in the intercellular space.
Allergic – occur with insect bites, after contact with plant pollen or chemicals. Rarely occur with intolerance to certain foods and substances.
Cachectic – observed in people with anorexia, with prolonged hunger and protein deficiency in the body.

How to relieve leg swelling: 6 effective methods available to everyone

Like any health problem, edema requires proper diagnosis and timely treatment. However, in cases where leg problems are temporary and not a pathology, you can alleviate the condition yourself.

Important! Before you get rid of leg swelling, you need to find out exactly its cause and make sure that the symptom is not associated with serious diseases.

There are several effective methods to relieve leg swelling:

Before removing the edema, experts recommend adjusting the water balance and observing the drinking regimen. At the same time, you should not be afraid of deterioration: a sufficient amount of water in the body will contribute to blood thinning and its free circulation.
Elevating the legs is the fastest way to relieve swelling of the legs, which is available to everyone. Arriving home, you need to lie down so that your legs are above the level of your heart. For example, put it on a cushion or pillow, place it on the back of a sofa or on a pouffe. In this position, it is advisable to lie down for 20-30 minutes to help the veins cope with stagnation. When working at a computer or sitting at a table, legs should be placed on a small bench or footboard.
Foot massage is another effective way to get rid of swelling. Such a massage can be done independently. You need to start from the inguinal zone, first stroking the legs, then go through all the muscles with massaging movements. Particular attention should be paid to the feet, massage your toes and heels well.
Contrast baths – help to quickly relieve tension, activate blood circulation. Keep your feet alternately in a warm bath (about 30 degrees) and cold. A contrast shower has the same effect.
Special gels and creams with cooling and warming effect. Cosmetics with menthol are used, as well as with an extract of medicinal plants (horse chestnut, clover).
There are foods rich in potassium. Apricots or dried apricots, bananas, herbs, beans, prunes, pumpkin will help improve the condition of the circulatory system.

Diagnosis and treatment: when to go to the doctor

Any foot problems require attention. Ideally, you need to see a doctor at the first symptoms of swelling of the legs. Especially if the cause is not clear or they are chronic. In this case, it is necessary to contact a therapist who will conduct an initial examination and refer you to narrower specialists. Leg edema is dealt with by a phlebologist, a lymphologist, a vascular surgeon.

Edema requires complex treatment. Therefore, a complete diagnosis is initially carried out: a visual examination, a general blood test. The level of erythrocytes, sugar, hemoglobin, ESR, cholesterol and uric acid are checked. Sometimes a hormone test is prescribed. Additionally, ultrasound, MRI and CT, coronary angiography of blood vessels are performed.

Depending on the cause, the doctor prescribes a therapy to treat swelling of the legs. This may include medication, physical therapy, lymphatic massage, exercise therapy, and diet. Among physiotherapeutic procedures, kinesiotherapy and laser correction are especially effective.

How to prevent swollen feet: advice from IVR specialists

Proper prevention will help to avoid serious problems and diseases. And knowing why the swelling in the legs, it is easy to understand what to do so that the legs do not swell. The simplest recommendations boil down to maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

sitting less and moving more, walking, exercising regularly, swimming and cycling;
exclude alcohol and smoking;
do not abuse fatty and salty foods, exclude smoked and canned foods. Include more vegetables and fruits, especially rich in potassium, in your diet. The daily norm of salt is 5 g or one teaspoon;
monitor the weight norm so that weight fluctuations are no more than 2 kg per month;
observe the drinking regime – the norm is 30 ml per day for every kilogram of weight. In the morning it is recommended to drink a glass of warm water;
reduce the load on the legs, do not wear uncomfortable shoes – in this case, special orthopedic insoles will also help;
use compression underwear – special stockings and stockings will help both remove swelling in the legs and prevent them due to proper pressure on the limbs. However, the doctor should select them after the examination;
after static loads, stretch your legs, throw them up during rest, move your legs while sitting, simulating walking, move for 5 minutes every 1.