Why we get swollen feet and legs and how can we prevent it?
Causes Of Swelling Feet And Legs
Swelling in the legs usually occurs due to fluid accumulation in the body tissues. This is also referred to as edema. Pitting edema is the condition in which an indentation develops on the swollen extremity after pressing a finger to it. This swelling generally remains painless. It can occur on both legs and also spread to the thighs and calf of each leg. This condition is common on the lower extremities due to the gravitational effect. The factors that commonly result in swollen legs are standing for prolonged periods of time, long journeys, menstruation in women, pregnancy, obesity, ageing and injury to the area. More serious conditions include organ failures such as that of the kidneys, lungs and heart. Still other conditions could be clotting of the blood, infection or inflammation in the legs, inability of the leg veins to pump the blood properly, varicose veins and improper nutrition.
Natural Treatment For Swollen Legs And Feet
An effective natural remedy for treating edema is applying warm mustard oil to the swollen areas. You can also mix some mustard seeds in water and apply the paste to the legs. Apple cider vinegar works to limit fluid buildup in the body tissues and cells. Excess intake of salt increases water retention in the body. Carbohydrates are also high in water content and hence must be restricted in the diet. Ensure that your diet is rich in protein and low in sodium content. Regular exercise is essential to keep the body healthy and prevent fluid accumulation in the tissues. Avoid alcohol intake and smoking of cigarettes. It will also prove beneficial to keep the legs slightly elevated from the rest of the body. You can do this by placing your legs on a pillow to keep them raised. You may also boil some coriander seeds in water and drink this solution for relief from edema.
Another effective home remedy is to crush some flax seeds and add the powder to your food. Flaxseed oil may also be applied to the swollen areas. Consuming hot tea, especially herbal tea, helps to bring relief from the swelling. Sometimes, insect bites could also be the cause of edema. Application of a mixture of tea tree oil is effective in easing the swelling caused by insect bites. Intake of barley water is helpful in reducing swelling caused by fluid buildup. Another method for reducing the swelling is to place cucumber or potato slices on the swollen areas. Massages are also an effective way to increase blood circulation in the affected areas and alleviate the swelling.
