Edema is the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which causes swelling in the hands, ankles and other parts of the body. It can occur as a result of taking certain drugs, pregnancy, and serious illnesses. Changing your diet and lifestyle and taking specific medicines are usually effective remedies for treating or relieving edema. Read on to learn more about how to reduce swelling.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Changing the Lifestyle
Step 1. Get moving
If you sit for too long, the edema tends to get worse, as fluids stagnate in the body's tissues. Doing some light exercises improves circulation and helps pump fluids to the heart and eliminate swelling.
- Go out for short walks several times a day to help blood circulation. A 15-30 minute walk several times a day tends to eliminate swelling.
- In between walks, raise your legs and arms while sitting or lying down.
Step 2. Raise your legs or arms
Use a stool or pillows to support the part of the body affected by edema. This part of the body needs to be held at a slightly higher level than the heart. Lift the body part for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a day.
For severe edema it is advisable to keep the affected body part elevated while you sleep
Step 3. Massage the swollen body part
Gently rub in the natural direction of fluid circulation, towards the heart. If you have severe edema, you need to hire a professional massage therapist to perform a type of massage called "manual lymphatic drainage".
Step 4. Reduce your salt intake
Eating a lot of salt causes the body to retain fluids, making edema worse. Limit your intake of salty foods such as prepackaged, fried, and fast foods. Talk to your doctor to find out how much sodium you should be taking in each day.
- Cooking at home rather than eating out is a good way to monitor the amount of salt you take.
- Most recipes will still be tasty if you cut the salt in half, or maybe even more. Experiment with baking and cooking to find tasty recipes with less salt.
Step 5. Eat a healthy diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can help reduce inflammation. Fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, nuts, sunflowers, beans, peas, potatoes, almonds, and whole grains are beneficial. Use oils and foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids.
- Eating foods rich in iron and B vitamins can help relieve edema. Eat green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and seaweed.
- Eat foods that act as natural diuretics, such as squash, beets, and asparagus.
Step 6. Try herbal remedies
Scientific studies have revealed that herbs or herbal extracts that contain flavonoids can cause a reduction in swelling. Try the following products:
- Blueberry extract. Use it with caution if you are taking medicines to thin the blood.
- Dandelion leaves.
- Grape seed extract.
Step 7. Take care of your skin
The skin of the part of the body affected by severe edema should receive special care, because it is particularly sensitive. Proper cleaning, daily use of moisturizers and rinsing of lesions are necessary to avoid more serious skin problems.
Method 2 of 2: Get Medical Treatment
Step 1. Put on a tights or sleeves to pack
These exert pressure on the limbs preventing the collection of excess fluid. Compressed clothing can be found in most drug stores or pharmacies, or you can talk to your doctor to get them through the health service.
Step 2. Use something inflatable
Inflatable clothing may be used around the swollen limb to reduce swelling. These are easier to put on than compressed garments, and you have more effective control of the pressure they exert. Talk to your doctor if using these items is right for you.
Sequential pumping therapy is another option in which electric pumps connected to inflatable objects are used sequentially and repeatedly to compress and decompress the swollen limb and to facilitate the circulation of fluids
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about taking medications
If the edema does not go away when you change your lifestyle, your doctor might suggest a diuretic to help clear fluids from your body. Furosemide is the most commonly prescribed medicine for the treatment of edema.
Step 4. Get treatment for the underlying causes
Edema can be caused by pregnancy or some medications, but there are also many diseases and other medical conditions that can cause edema. If you have edema without knowing the cause, it is very important to get a medical diagnosis right away to understand what is going on. The following serious pathologies and diseases can cause edema:
- Infections or lesions of the blood vessels
- Diseases of the kidneys, heart, or liver
- Brain injuries
- Allergies.
Warnings
- Edema is a symptom of serious and less serious diseases and also a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle. For edema of unknown cause, a professional diagnosis must be made.
- For serious edema, the remedies that you intend to apply alone must be discussed with a professional before proceeding.
- The remedies indicated in this article can be applied at home. The technically complicated ones should however be applied following the instructions of a professional.
