10 tips for swollen legs

Swollen, painful and heavy legs accompanied by burning feet….  Many of us suffer from such discomfort, especially when the weather is boiling hot. I also tend to get swollen legs. That’s why I know how to deal with it.

 

Below you will find 10 proven methods to relieve swelling in your legs:

 

• Stay hydrated!

According to “Nutritional standards for the Polish population,” the daily liquid demand in an adult woman amounts to ca 2000ml per day. In case of men the average daily demand for water has been set to about 2500ml. You should remember that in hot weather the demand increases by about 500ml/day. Water (preferably mineral water) should be sipped. You should serve it chilled or at room temperature.

• Soak feet in cold water with apple cider vinegar.

Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to a bowl with cold water and soak feet for about 20 minutes. This treatment will not only relieve swelling but will also smooth your skin and help get rid of unpleasant smell.

• Drink tea from nettle, hibiscus, fennel or dandelion.

These infusions benefit your kidneys and are diuretic. They also speed up the removal of excess water and help get rid of toxins. However, you must drink 1-2 cups of the infusion of your choice daily if you want them to be effective.

• Apply aloe vera pulp compresses.

Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera pulp with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply the mixture onto your legs or even your whole body. This compress has a soothing and moisturising effect. What is more, it helps relieve heavy legs.

• Peppermint foot soak.

Bring about 2 litres of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of dried peppermint leaves. Let it cool down a little and pour the infusion into a bowl. The soak should be just slightly warm. It will relieve tired and swollen feet.

• Wear compression tights.

Wear special compression tights, knee highs or stockings. They are designed to stimulate blood flow in legs which prevents swelling.

• Stock up on Epsom salt.

After a whole day on your feet, Epsom salt soak will help you relax tired legs. It is well known and commonly used as a natural treatment for numerous ailments, including swelling. Epsom salt softens and exfoliates skin. It also has a positive effect on wound healing and irritation.

• Keep your legs up high.

Lie down and put a pillow or a rolled blanket under your legs to keep them raised slightly over your chest. Stay in this position for about 20-30 minutes. In this way you will facilitate the outflow of fluids from your legs, which will reduce swelling.

• Remember to move.

A sedentary job predisposes to swelling of legs, especially during hot weather. If you sit in one position for a long time, get up and try to move the joints. Stand on your toes 50 times.

• Apply cabbage leaf compresses.

Put the cabbage in the fridge. place cold leaves on your legs and bandage them up lightly. I recommend applying these compresses at night or for at least 30 minutes during the day. This method, popular with our grandmas, helps get rid of swelling.

 

And finally – don’t forget to have a rest!