Swollen Legs, Ankles, and Feet - Remedies
Published by Campbell M Gold in Alternative · Saturday 29 Jun 2024
Tags: swollen, legs, ankles, feet, remedy, causes, remedies, reduce, swelling, improve, circulation, leg, health
Tags: swollen, legs, ankles, feet, remedy, causes, remedies, reduce, swelling, improve, circulation, leg, health
Natural remedies for swollen legs, ankles, and feet.
In this blog post, discover effective natural remedies for swollen legs, ankles, and feet caused by oedema...
Oedema is a condition characterised by the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues. It occurs when small blood vessels leak fluid into surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.
Oedema can affect any body part, but it is most observed in the legs, ankles, and feet. This swelling can be caused by various factors, including standing or sitting for long periods, high salt intake, heart problems, and kidney or liver disease.
If there is persistent or severe oedema, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Leg, ankle, and foot swelling is common when a person:
- Is overweight/obese.
- Has a blood clot in the leg.
- Has a pathology.
- Is older.
- Has a leg infection.
- Has leg veins that cannot properly pump blood back to the heart (called "venous insufficiency," which is often due to varicose veins).
- Has hormonal changes or pregnancy.
- Has a lack of physical activity.
- Has chronic kidney disease.
- Has congestive heart failure.
- Has capillary leak syndrome.
- Has lymphatic dysfunction (lymphedema).
- Has malnutrition.
- Has infections that may trigger inflammation and swelling.
- Has allergies.
Long car journeys, aeroplane flights, and standing for long periods often exacerbate swelling in the feet and ankles.
Injury or surgery involving the leg, ankle, or foot can cause swelling. Swelling may also occur after pelvic surgery, especially for cancer.
Swelling may occur in women who take oestrogen or during parts of the menstrual cycle. Most women do have some swelling during pregnancy.
More severe swelling during pregnancy may be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that includes high blood pressure and significant swelling.
Allopathic Medicines
Certain allopathic medicines may cause swelling and include:
- Blood pressure medicines called calcium channel blockers.
- Antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors and tricyclics.
- Hormones, such as oestrogen (in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy) and testosterone.
- Steroids.
Tips to reduce swelling
- Put the legs on pillows to raise them above the heart while lying down.
- Maintain your correct weight.
- Exercise the legs. This helps to pump fluid from the legs back to the heart.
- Consider using a rebounder.
- Regular walking and ankle pumps** can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
- Maintain a low-salt diet, which will help to reduce fluid buildup and swelling. Limit sodium by avoiding canned soups, processed foods, deli meats, and sausages.
- Eat Foods rich in Omega-3s (like salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds) to reduce inflammation.
- Eat antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as berries, spinach, cherries, etc., which can also help decrease swelling.
- Limit refined carb sources such as white bread and pasta, typically high in carbs or added sugar and low in fibre.
- Wear support/compression stockings (available at chemists and hood health stores). These stockings apply continuous pressure to the legs, thus helping to improve circulation and reduce fluid accumulation.
- When travelling, take regular breaks to stand up and move around.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing.
**Ankle Pumps
Ankle pumps are simple exercises that help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet:
- Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.
- Ankle Flexion (Plantar Flexion):
- Point the toes away from your body (like you’re pushing the accelerator pedal in a car).
- Hold this position for a few seconds.
- Then relax.
- Ankle Extension (Dorsiflexion):
- Pull the toes toward your body.
- Hold this position for a few seconds.
- Then relax.
- Repeat:
- Perform ankle pumps by alternating between flexion and extension.
- Complete 10-15 repetitions several times a day.
Ankle Pumps help to keep blood flowing and prevent fluid buildup. They’re beneficial if you’ve been sitting or standing for long periods.
Hydration
- Keep well hydrated (Spring Water - never Tap Water).
- Hot Lemon Water is recommended.
Recommended Supplements
- Vit-C - 1,000 mg 4 x daily
- B-Complex - 100 mg daily
- Potassium - max strength
- Magnesium - max strength
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids - 1,000 mg daily
- Co-Enzyme Q10 - to strengthen the cardiovascular system and help to remove fluid
- Garlic - 1,000 mg 2 x daily
- Apple Cider Vinegar - 2 x tsp in 200 ml spring water - 3 - 4 x daily
- Tissue Salt - Nat Sulph (11) - Water eliminator - Regulates the density of the inter-cellular fluids (fluids which bathe the tissue cells) by eliminating excess water
- Tissue Salt - Combin M
Other
- Horsetail
- Caraway
Coffee, Tea, and Juice
- Coffee
- Green Tea
- Black Tea
- Nettle Tea
- Dandelion Tea
- Fennel Tea
- Hibiscus Tea
- Cranberry Juice
- Pomegranate Juice
- Ginger Shots
Natural Diuretics
Natural diuretics can help reduce fluid retention and include:
- Artichoke
- Asparagus - This has diuretic properties.
- Beets
- Bell Peppers
- Blueberries
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celery
- Coffee - this contains caffeine, which acts as a diuretic.
- Cucumber - suitable as a juice, too
- Dandelion Extract - this has an excellent diuretic effect
- Egg Plant
- Fennel
- Garlic - this has good health benefits, including acting as a diuretic
- Ginger
- Grapes
- Lemon
- Lettuce
- Oats
- Onions - these can help with fluid balance
- Parsley - this is a natural diuretic due to its high potassium content
- Pineapple
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
Source: Archives
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