12 Home Remedies For Swelling

Swelling is a common problem that accompanies injuries and pain. Many times swelling (medical term, edema) subsides on its own but sometimes it may require treatment.

Treating swelling of certain parts of the body (face, arms, hands, legs and feet) is possible using home remedies. Let us look at some of the best remedies for treating swelling.

Treat Swelling At Home With Simple Remedies

Drink Water

One of the best and most effective ways of treating swelling is by drinking 10-12 glasses of water. This remedy works wonders if the swelling is caused by water retention.

Many times our body tends to store water when it feels the body is going in dehydration mode. Storage of water by the body is what leads to swelling of certain body parts especially the hands and feet. Drinking sufficient water signals the body that the dehydration is now resolved. As a result it lets go of all the extra stored water.

Elevate The Injury

If the swelling is a result of injury then the best way of bringing down the swelling is by lying on the bed and elevating the injured part of the body. The injured part should be at the same or higher level than your heart. This helps drain out the excess fluid from the injured part.

Cold And Hot Compresses

Depending on the cause of the swelling you can apply either cold or hot compress to bring down the inflammation. For example, if the swelling is due to an allergic reaction then apply ice packs on the affected area. This will cool down the skin and immediately reduce the swelling.

On the other hand, if the swelling is due to sports injury then only hot compress can soothe the area. You can heat water and pour it in a glass bottle. Wrap the glass bottle in a towel and apply it over the swelling. This treatment will not only reduce the swelling but also provide relief from pain.

Exercising

To best way to reduce swelling in the legs and the feet is to exercise. And by exercising we are not asking you to hit the gym. Even mild exercise like walking will provide relief from swelling. You can also do some legs and feet specific exercises to bring down the inflammation.

Salt Solution

swelling in the feet and the hands can be reduced by dipping them in salt solution. Mix two teaspoons salt (preferably Epsom salt) in a liter of warm water.

Soak your hands or feet in the salt solution for 10-15 minutes. Salt solution is very effective in draining the extra flow of liquids to hands and feet.

Apply Pressure

In case of mild swelling massaging the area will work wonders. The massage should be done gently but firmly and in the direction of the heart. This will help dispel the large quantities of fluid that has gotten collected in a particular part.

Potato Juice

During pregnancy the body goes through a lot of hormonal changes that may result in swelling of the hands and feet. Many women experience edema during the final stages of pregnancy. This swelling can be painful and irritating. To get rid of the swelling caused in pregnancy use potato juice.

Peel a medium sized potato and cut it into thin slices. Wrap the potato slices around your hands and feet using medical gauze. Leave on for 30 minutes and then discard the potato slices. Repeat the treatment as and when required. Even cucumber slices can be used in place of potato.

Reduce Salt Intake

In some cases of swelling and bloating high amount of sodium in the diet is the culprit. Reduce your intake of salt (since salt is the richest source of sodium) by cutting down on the salt you put in your food. Also, cut down on the amount of processed foods you eat including cheese, cheese spreads and ready-to-eat meals. These foods are highly toxic in nature because of the high amounts of sodium present in them.

Mustard Oil

Many times the swelling is a result of poor blood circulation to certain parts of the body especially the hands and feet.

To treat this problem you can try rubbing mustard oil on the swollen areas. Warm some mustard oil and gently massage the swollen hands or legs with the oil for 5-7 minutes.This will restore the flow of blood to the affected parts and reduce swelling.

Wear Compression Garments

In some cases of swelling compression garments such as stockings, sleeves and glovescan be worn to reduce swelling. These clothes apply pressure on the particular area and do not let the fluids get collected in the tissues there. This prevents swelling.

Stay Cool

Sometimes hot weather can result in swelling of the hands and feet. This is especially true in the case of women because the female hormone estrogen is responsible for this response of the body to hot climate. Estrogen induces the plasma to leave the blood vessels and enter the tissues.

This results in accumulation of fluid in the particular part of the body giving it the swollen look. Hence, to avoid swollen hands, feet and face in summers the best thing to do would be to stay cool at all times. Drink plenty of cold water, fruits juices and take cold baths to maintain the temperature of the body. Try to remain indoors when the sun is at its peak. Carry and umbrella and a bottle of water with you at all times.

Maintain Weight

Swelling of hands, legs and face is a common problem seen in overweight people. If you suffer from painful inflammation for no reason then check your weight. It should fall within the acceptable BMI limits. Start exercising and controlling your diet if you have put on extra pounds. Not only will weight control help deal with swelling but it will also help you deal with many other medical conditions successfully.

If none of the home remedies work for you and the swelling still persists then immediately go to your doctor for a medical diagnosis.