This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS and by How.com.vn staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
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If you notice swelling or puffiness in your feet, ankles, or legs that isn't related to an injury, it might be edema. When fluid builds up in your body tissue, which can happen for many different reasons, you get this characteristic swelling. The only way you can cure edema is to treat the condition that's causing it. Otherwise, there are plenty of ways you can keep the swelling down.[1] Here, we've gathered some ideas that you can use right away to alleviate your edema.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow do I alleviate edema if I have allergies?Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MSLuba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
Board-Certified Family Nurse PractitionerThe same principles as mentioned above apply in reducing your edema even if you have allergies.
Video
Tips
- If your feet and ankles swell, pay attention to your shoes. If they're too tight, they can cause blisters and other foot problems.[21]Thanks
Warnings
- Call emergency services if you feel short of breath or have chest pain along with edema. These are signs of a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.[22]Thanks
- If your swelling only occurs on one side, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism if not treated promptly.[23]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://familydoctor.org/condition/edema/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema/
- ↑ https://www.uptodate.com/contents/edema-swelling-beyond-the-basics
- ↑ https://familydoctor.org/condition/edema/
- ↑ https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/nshealth.ca/files/patientinformation/1827.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366532
- ↑ https://www.uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Documents/How_to_Do_Self_Lymphatic_Massage_Lower_Body.pdf
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-best-ways-relieve-swollen-feet-ankles-home/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-best-ways-relieve-swollen-feet-ankles-home/
- ↑ https://www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/medicine/33/000055.htm
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-truth-about-dry-brushing-and-what-it-does-for-you/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-best-ways-relieve-swollen-feet-ankles-home/
- ↑ https://familydoctor.org/hydration-why-its-so-important/
- ↑ https://www.uptodate.com/contents/edema-swelling-beyond-the-basics
- ↑ https://www.uptodate.com/contents/low-sodium-diet-beyond-the-basics
- ↑ https://www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/medicine/33/000055.htm
- ↑ https://www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/medicine/33/000055.htm
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5891656/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003104.htm
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-best-ways-relieve-swollen-feet-ankles-home/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16911-deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-best-ways-relieve-swollen-feet-ankles-home/
About This Article
To cure or alleviate edema, which can cause swelling in your hands, ankles, eyelids, or other body parts, take 15 to 30 minute walks several times a day, since sitting still for long periods of time can worsen your edema. You might also benefit from using a stool or pillow to prop up the part of your body that's swelling for about 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. When it comes to your diet, limit your salt intake and seek out foods that contain B-vitamins and iron, such as leafy greens, whole grains, and sea vegetables. If you want to reduce swelling with an herbal remedy, try making tea from a teaspoon of horsetail, parsley, yarrow, nettle, birch tree leaves, or watercress. For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to implement medical treatments for edema, read on!
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