How to Treat Edema: Natural Remedies, Lifestyle Changes, and More
If you’ve ever experienced swelling, you may have wondered what is causing it and how to get rid of it. Edema is a medical term used to describe swelling caused by excess fluid in the body’s tissues. Edema can occur in the hands, feet, ankles, legs or other parts of the body. It can be the result of an injury, medication or an underlying medical condition. Understanding how to treat edema can help you decrease swelling and improve your overall health.
Natural Remedies for Treating Edema
There are several natural remedies available to help treat edema. These remedies often work by improving circulation and reducing inflammation in the affected area.
Using Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are a useful tool for treating edema. These stockings are specially designed to put pressure on your legs to prevent the accumulation of fluid in the tissues. They are available in different sizes, styles and pressure levels depending on your needs. You can wear them throughout the day or during activities that cause swelling.
Exercise That Improves Circulation
Regular exercise can help reduce the effects of edema. Choose low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling or walking to improve your circulation and prevent swelling. Exercise helps increase the blood flow to your limbs, which helps move the excess fluid out of your tissues.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can be a helpful way to decrease swelling and inflammation in your body. Massage helps to improve lymphatic circulation, which helps move the excess fluid out of the body. It also helps to relax the muscles and reduce stress, which can contribute to edema.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender, rosemary, and peppermint have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help reduce swelling. Mix these oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil and gently massage the affected area.
Lifestyle Changes to Treat Edema
The following lifestyle changes can help control edema.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing edema. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the chances of developing edema. It can also help control the severity of edema and prevent it from worsening.
Incorporating Low-Impact Exercise into Daily Routine
Incorporating low-impact exercise into your daily routine can help prevent or reduce the effects of edema. Walking, stretching and swimming are low-impact activities that can help improve circulation in your limbs without putting too much stress on your joints.
Elevating Affected Areas When Sitting or Sleeping
Elevating your legs can help reduce swelling. When you’re sitting or lying down, prop your legs up on a pillow or cushion to help encourage blood flow and reduce swelling.
Avoiding Prolonged Periods of Standing or Sitting
Prolonged periods of sitting or standing can contribute to edema. Try to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you work a job that requires you to sit or stand for long periods of time, try to take breaks and move around every hour.
Medications and Treatments for Edema
In addition to lifestyle changes and natural remedies, there are also medications and treatments that can help treat edema.
Diuretics
Diuretics are medications that help your kidneys eliminate excess fluid from the body. They can be helpful for treating edema caused by an underlying condition.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and swelling. These medications are available over-the-counter and can be helpful for reducing the pain associated with edema.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Lymphatic drainage therapy is a type of massage that specifically targets the lymphatic system in the body. This type of massage can help improve lymphatic circulation, which can help move excess fluids out of the body.
Tips for Preventing Edema
While certain medical conditions can make edema difficult to prevent, there are still things you can do to decrease your risk of developing it.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of developing edema. Try to engage in low-impact exercise several times a week.
Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can help decrease your risk of developing edema. Try to limit your salt intake and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Wearing the Right Shoes
Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can help reduce swelling in your feet and ankles.
Taking Breaks When Sitting or Standing
If you have a job that requires you to sit or stand for long periods, try to take breaks and move around every hour. This can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
The Importance of Hydration in Treating Edema
Drinking water is essential for preventing edema. Dehydration can cause swelling because when your body is not properly hydrated, it holds onto excess sodium and water.
Daily Water Intake Recommendations
The recommended daily water intake is about eight glasses or 64 ounces of water. However, your daily water intake needs can vary depending on your activity level and other factors such as climate and medical conditions.
Benefits of Drinking Water for Edema
Drinking water can help flush out excess sodium and fluids from the body, thus decreasing the amount of swelling you may experience. Water can also help improve overall health and maintain a healthy weight.
Diet Tips for Treating Edema
Your diet can be a factor contributing to edema. Making changes to your diet can help control edema and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Foods to Avoid and Limit Consumption of
Processed foods, foods high in sodium, and alcohol can all contribute to edema. Try to limit your consumption of these foods.
Foods to Include in Diet
Foods that have anti-inflammatory properties like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Increase your intake of these foods to help control edema.
Exercises That Help Reduce Edema
The following exercises can help reduce the symptoms of edema.
Ankle Pumps
While sitting, move your foot up and down, flexing and extending your calf muscle. This can help improve circulation in your lower leg.
Calf Raises
Place your hands on a wall or stable surface, then raise and lower your heels. This exercise helps pump fluids out of the legs.
Leg Lifts
Lie down on your back and slowly lift each leg upward, holding it for a few seconds before returning it to the floor. This exercise can help reduce swelling in the legs and increase circulation.
Conclusion
Edema can be a frustrating symptom, but there are many natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments available to help control it. If you’re experiencing symptoms of edema, try incorporating some of these strategies into your daily routine and be sure to speak with your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.
