Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help ease swelling and pain. Acetaminophen might also fight pain. Some doctors say magnesium is a good mineral to add to your diet to help with painful swelling.
Full Answer
What are home remedies for swollen feet?
Jun 20, 2020 · Compression stockings are the most common treatment for swollen legs 2. Get Up and Move Movement, like walking, can reduce swelling. When we walk, our calve muscles pump fluid and pressure out of our lower legs. People who sit all day tend to have more swelling than active people. 3. Change Your Diet to Treat Swollen Feet
What does doctor put on when your foot is swelling?
Gently exercising your legs aids in circulation and helps pump fluid from the legs back to your heart. Following a low-sodium (salt) diet as this may help in reducing swelling and fluid accumulation (as salt retains more water). Wearing support stockings which can be found at the majority of pharmacies/drug stores.
What are the best exercises for swollen feet?
Feb 15, 2022 · There are some home remedies that may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with swollen feet and ankles. Compression Stockings Wearing compression stockings applies continuous pressure to the legs, which can help improve circulation and decrease fluid accumulation in the ankles.
What can reduce swelling feet?
Ice. Keep an ice pack on your legs for about 20 minutes every hour over the first 3 days after symptoms start. Avoid using heat, as it may make swelling …
What is the best medication for swollen feet?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help ease swelling and pain. Acetaminophen might also fight pain. Some doctors say magnesium is a good mineral to add to your diet to help with painful swelling.Feb 1, 2021
What is the fastest way to reduce swelling in feet?
Here are 10 to try.Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. ... Buy compression socks. ... Soak in a cool Epsom salt bath for about 15 to 20 minutes. ... Elevate your feet, preferably above your heart. ... Get moving! ... Magnesium supplements can be helpful for some people. ... Make some dietary changes. ... Lose weight if you're overweight.More items...
Which medicine is used for treating swelling?
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)Aspirin (available as a single ingredient known by various brand names such as Bayer® or St. ... Ibuprofen (known by brand names such as Motrin® and Advil®).Naproxen sodium (known by the brand name Aleve®).Jan 25, 2020
Is there any medicine for swollen feet?
Mild edema usually goes away on its own, particularly if you help things along by raising the affected limb higher than your heart. More-severe edema may be treated with drugs that help your body expel excess fluid in the form of urine (diuretics). One of the most common diuretics is furosemide (Lasix).Dec 1, 2020
What foods to avoid when you have swollen feet?
To reduce swelling all over your body, podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross near Rockville, MD recommends that you avoid fast food, potato chips and packaged sweets. Watch out for sneaky sources of sodium like condiments, sauces and canned food. Fruits and veggies are a staple of a bloat-free diet.Jan 29, 2016
What are anti-inflammatory tablets used for?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature. They're often used to relieve symptoms of headaches, painful periods, sprains and strains, colds and flu, arthritis, and other causes of long-term pain.
Will water pills help swollen feet?
The first thing your doctor may try are diuretics, or water pills. This may not be the best treatment particularly if the swelling is not due to too much volume. “Often, using counter pressure, or wearing compression stockings, to help push fluid out of the legs is the most effective treatment,” says Dr.Jun 5, 2020
Why do my feet swell?
Medical conditions. Illness. Injury. The swelling can result from fluid retention or poor circulation because of damage to the blood vessels or other factors. Edema: Excess Fluid Trapped in Tissues. The tissues directly under the skin look puffy and swollen.
Why do my feet swell after drinking alcohol?
Alcohol, along with other health impacts, can result in swollen feet because of fluid retention. Frequent swelling in the feet after drinking alcohol may indicate problems with your organs - heart, liver, or kidneys. It may also mean your alcohol consumption is excessive and problematic.
How long does it take for a dimple to go down?
Dimple remains after pressure - if you press on the swelling with a finger for 15-20 seconds, the skin normally bounces back. If a dimple remains, then talk to your physician.
Can you get infected feet from a nerve?
Infections. Your feet can become infected and inflamed from injury or with a nerve condition like diabetic neuropathy leaving your feet more infection-prone. Most infections are treatable with antibiotics taken orally or applied to the infection site.
Can lymphedema be reversed?
There is no cure for lymphedema because you can reverse the damage or put back the lymph nodes. The best you can do is manage the condition with pain relief and action to reduce the swelling in your feet. Actions you can take include: Exercises to drain the lymph fluid from your feet. Wrapping the foot in bandages.
Why are my feet swollen after sitting?
Not all swollen feet are the same. But I guess you already knew that. For instance, swollen feet after sitting are different from lymphedema . Even the most common conditions can be confusing. For instance, swollen feet during pregnancy; they could have many reasons. Sometimes the reason is simple, like fluid overload. But sometimes it is something dangerous, like a blood clot, DVT. Or another example. Swelling from dependent edema can sometimes look just like swelling from a heart condition or kidney disease. But they are obviously very different. So you see, it becomes obvious that the first step in swollen feet treatment is to identify the cause.
Can gravity help you move your feet?
Gravity can be our friend. If we raise our feet, gravity can help pull fluid out of our feet. It’s physics. Raising the feet above the level of the heart is even better. But I always tell my patients not to overdo this. I do not think it makes sense not to be active just to raise your legs. What I do think makes sense is to raise your legs when you are not moving anyway. For instance, if you are sitting reading or watching TV. And of course, some people cannot raise their legs because of back issues. One can only do what one can do.
Does walking reduce swelling?
Movement, like walking, can reduce swelling. When we walk, our calve muscles pump fluid and pressure out of our lower legs. People who sit all day tend to have more swelling than active people.
Do compression stockings help with swelling?
The most important thing to remember about compression stockings is that they do not cure swelling. But compression stockings are good for controlling symptoms. The trick is to find compression stockings that fit well and have the correct amount of compression. Also, for some causes for swollen feet, compression stockings are more important than for others. For instance, lymphedema.
Who is Dr Weinberg?
Dr. Weinberg is Founder and Editor in Chief of the Angiologist.com. He is Assistant Professor of Medicine in Harvard Medical School and a Vascular Medicine doctor in Massachusetts General Hospital. He also holds a specialty in Medicine from the Hadassah Hebrew University Medical School.
How to get rid of swollen feet?
Massage your feet. Massage can be great for swollen feet and can also promote relaxation. Massage (or have someone massage them for you!) your feet toward your heart with firm strokes and some pressure. This can help move the fluid out of the area and reduce swelling. 10.
What is it called when fluid accumulates in tissues?
certain medical conditions. When fluid accumulates in tissues, it’s called edema. While edema usually resolves on its own, there are some home remedies that may reduce the swelling more quickly and increase your own comfort. Here are 10 to try. 1.
Why do my feet swell?
Painless swelling of the feet or ankles is common and can happen for a variety of reasons. Causes of swollen feet can include: staying on your feet too long. ill-fitting shoes. pregnancy.
How to reduce swelling in feet while pregnant?
If you’re looking to reduce foot swelling while pregnant, try elevating your feet several times a day as well. Aim for about 20 minutes at a time, even on an ottoman or a chair. Try to avoid standing for long periods of time and stay off your feet when you can. 5. Get moving!
How to reduce swelling in the body?
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have. This contributes to swelling.
Does Epsom salt help with muscle pain?
Epsom salt ( magnesium sulfate) may not only help with muscle pain. It may also reduce swelling and inflammation. The theory is that Epsom salt draws out toxins and increases relaxation.
Does weight loss cause swelling in feet?
This can result in being more sedentary — which can also cause fluid buildup in the feet. Losing weight can help ease the strain on your feet and possibly reduce foot swelling as well.
What to do if your feet are swollen?
Treatment for swollen feet and ankles. Your doctor will decide on the course of treatment for swollen feet and ankles depending on their cause. If you are unable to find relief through elevating your legs for a few hours, you may need antibiotics if you have an infection, a wrap or splint if you have a sprain or injury or you may need ...
How to treat a swollen heart?
There are a number of tips that you can use to aid in reducing some of your symptoms at home, these include: 1 Elevating your feet on pillows so as to raise them above your chest, or heart when lying down. 2 Gently exercising your legs aids in circulation and helps pump fluid from the legs back to your heart. 3 Following a low-sodium (salt) diet as this may help in reducing swelling and fluid accumulation (as salt retains more water). 4 Wearing support stockings which can be found at the majority of pharmacies/drug stores. 5 Taking breaks by standing up or walking around when travelling in planes or cars. When driving it helps to stop when you can and stretch your legs. 6 Avoiding tight-fitting garters or clothes around your legs as these restrict blood flow and may result in fluid accumulation. 7 Losing weight if necessary, as being overweight may promote fluid accumulation as more pressure is put on your joints and more fluid is held in the body as a result of a greater body mass. 8 Stopping smoking and/or drinking alcohol as these can prevent the healing of the underlying causes of swelling.
Why does my foot swell when I walk?
If you are diabetic and swelling of your foot is accompanied by warm, reddish skin and/or if there is a visible cut or sore present, then this is likely to be the result of an infection developing from the cut or sore.
How to get fluid from legs back to heart?
Gently exercising your legs aids in circulation and helps pump fluid from the legs back to your heart. Following a low-sodium (salt) diet as this may help in reducing swelling and fluid accumulation (as salt retains more water). Wearing support stockings which can be found at the majority of pharmacies/drug stores.
Why is it important to avoid tight fitting garters?
Avoiding tight-fitting garters or clothes around your legs as these restrict blood flow and may result in fluid accumulation. Losing weight if necessary, as being overweight may promote fluid accumulation as more pressure is put on your joints and more fluid is held in the body as a result of a greater body mass.
What is the first medical professional you are likely to see?
The first medical professional you are likely to see is your general practitioner. When a more serious underlying cause is identified or suspected, then you may be referred to a specialist in one of the following fields: Internal medicine (physician) Orthopaedics. Sports medicine. Cardiology.
Can smoking cause swelling?
Stopping smoking and/or drinking alcohol as these can prevent the healing of the underlying causes of swelling. If you believe that certain medications are causing the swelling, then it is not advised that you change or stop taking these before first consulting with your doctor.
Treatment
There are some home remedies that may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with swollen feet and ankles.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have experienced swelling in your feet and ankles for more than one month, you should see a healthcare provider to have an examination and evaluation to diagnose any underlying causes.
Summary
Swelling in the ankles can result from a variety of different causes and can be managed at home through the use of compression stockings, elevation, monitoring sodium and water intake, diuretic supplements, lymphatic drainage massage, Epsom salts, and changing your medication.
A Word From Verywell
Other than avoiding injury, swelling in the ankles is best prevented by staying active and exercising regularly to maintain good circulation. If you sit or stand for long periods of time, it is helpful to take periodic breaks to walk, which allows the leg muscles to contract and improve blood flow.
How to treat a swollen leg?
Use the R.I.C.E. Method 1 Rest. If movement is painful at first, rest your legs and stay off them as much as you can until you’re able to move without pain. 2 Ice. Keep an ice pack on your legs for about 20 minutes every hour over the first 3 days after symptoms start. Avoid using heat, as it may make swelling worse. 3 Compression. Wrap an elastic bandage around your legs or wear compression stockings, which use pressure to keep swelling down. 4 Elevation. Keep your legs raised above the level of your heart for 30 minutes, three or four times per day, so that gravity can help move fluids out and toward the rest of your body.
What is the best medicine for swelling?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help ease swelling and pain. Acetaminophen might also fight pain. Some doctors say magnesium is a good mineral to add to your diet to help with painful swelling.
How to stop swelling in legs after a symtom?
Avoid using heat, as it may make swelling worse. Compression. Wrap an elastic bandage around your legs or wear compression stockings, which use pressure to keep swelling down. Elevation.
How to help swelling in legs?
These tips will help with leg pain and swelling whenever you have to lie down or stay seated for long periods of time, such as when you’re sleeping, traveling, or working at a desk: Don’t wear tight clothing, especially around your thighs. Wear compression stockings that are approved by your doctor.
How to stop swelling in the back of the leg?
Get up and stretch as often you can during the day. Focus on extending your knees as well as flexing your ankles to help with blood circulation. This may help pump extra fluid away from your legs and back toward your heart.
How to get fluid out of your legs?
Try Massage. If you can’t visit a massage therapist and don’t have any tools, you can still do massage on your own at home. Rub or stroke your legs upward, in the direction of your heart. Make sure the pressure is firm but not painful. This can help move excess fluid out of that area.
What are the symptoms of a swollen leg?
Have swelling in only one leg, especially if the skin is cool or pale. Have leg pain, swelling, warmth, or redness that keeps getting worse. Have symptoms that don't get better after a few days of home treatment.
What is the term for swelling in the legs?
Leg Swelling. Another term for leg swelling is "leaky legs.". When you have certain vascular disease types, your legs may swell, starting at the ankles and spreading up your legs, particularly if you don't seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have chronic leg swelling, you might have a problem with return blood flow in your veins, ...
How to treat swelling in legs during pregnancy?
Treatment for leg swelling during pregnancy is vastly different from treatments for vascular disease, which includes: Staying off your feet as much as possible with the elevation of the legs when not doing light exercise, like walking. Wearing compression stockings to prevent blood accumulation in your legs.
What is the best treatment for discoloration of the leg?
Topical creams or ointments may be prescribed or recommended to treat dryness of the skin, skin discoloration or irritation of the skin. The most common medication for leg discoloration and swelling due to a vascular disease involves blood thinners. One of the most significant vascular disease issues is clotting, ...
Why does my swollen thigh hurt?
Other causes of swelling and discoloration may include increased salt intake in the diet, side effects from medications, previous surgeries, hormonal imbalance, and organ dysfunction. Swelling also worsens during times of warmer weather. These should be evaluated along with evaluation for venous disease.
Why do my legs swell?
Leg swelling is a more common symptom of vascular disorder. Your legs swell when your capillaries' pressure is higher than the pressure of surrounding fluids , particularly lymphatic fluids.
Can lymphedema cause leg elevation?
Lymphedema can involve swelling down into the foot and become quite severe. The edema may persist even with leg elevation. Lymphedema and venous disease often happen together in a disease process known as phlebolymphedema.
Can leg swelling cause heart problems?
In either case, leg swelling can cause pain and discomfort and lead to severe complications. In cases of vein disease, venous insufficiency, the blood does not drain properly through the veins back to the heart.
How to reduce swelling in feet?
Light to moderate intensity exercise. Foot, ankle and leg compression wrapping. Foot elevation. Compression stockings. Medications. In most cases, conservative care options help to relieve symptoms and bring swelling down, but in some cases a more hands-on treatment is necessary.
What is foot lymphedema?
How To Treat Foot Lymphedema. Foot lymphedema, sometimes simply called foot swelling, is a condition that involves the lymphatic system and your lymph nodes. Lymphedema can be both reversible and irreversible, but even in when it can’t be reversed, there are treatment options to control symptoms and make progress.
Why is my lymphatic system so swollen?
When something happens to the system and the lymph vessels can’t adequately drain the fluid, swelling in the extremities can occur . Some common causes of lymphedema include lymph node removal surgery, radiation treatment, cancer, infections or any condition that impacts the healthy function of the lymphatic system.
What causes lymphedema in the foot?
Symptoms of foot lymphedema include: Swelling. Feelings of heaviness or tightness in the area. Discomfort. Limited range of motion.
What to do if you have swelling in your foot?
If the swelling is significant or persistent, or if you believe you’re dealing with an infection, set up an appointment with your primary care physician or a foot specialist. Your doctor will take a look at the foot and then work to establish the reason for the lymphedema.
How to treat a swollen ear?
Although your specific treatment will vary based on your individual diagnosis, many individuals find some relief from a combination of some of the following treatment options: Light to moderate intensity exercise.
Is Silverman Ankle and Foot a diagnostic?
It should NOT be regarded as diagnostic, treatment or any other type of specific medical advice to anyone. Individuals should always consult a licensed and qualified health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment recommendations regarding their specific medical problems. Silverman Ankle & Foot.
Why is my toe sore?
Look for red, painful swelling along the side of your toenail. This would indicate that the swelling is being caused by an ingrown toenail . Your toe may also be red and painful, with the toenail seeming to disappear into the skin of your toe.
Why does my second toe feel like a marble?
This could be a sign of capsulitis of the second toe, a condition that causes the ligaments surrounding the joint near your second toe to become inflamed . In addition to swelling at the base of this toe, it may also feel like there’s a marble or pebble under the ball of your foot when you walk.
What does it mean when your big toe is swollen?
Be on the lookout for sudden, acute pain in a swollen toe. If the pain seems to come out of nowhere, this may be a symptom of a gout attack. Gout is a very painful form of arthritis that normally occurs on your big toe.
What does it mean when your toe is broken?
A recent sports injury or traumatic contact might have led to your toe being fractured. With a fractured toe, the swelling will probably be accompanied by persistent, throbbing pain. [1] A fractured toe or a toe that was recently struck may also be visibly bruised, with a dark blue or purplish color.
How to treat a swollen toe?
1. Take over-the-counter pain medications to help deal with the pain. Nearly every cause of a swollen toe can be partially treated, or at least managed, with over-the-counter pain medication. However, do not take these medicines for more than a few days unless advised to by your doctor.
How long does it take for a toenail to heal from fungus?
Use over-the-counter or prescribed medication to treat fungus. If OTC antifungal cream doesn’t effectively treat your infection within 3-6 weeks, visit your doctor to have a stronger medication prescribed to you. Toenail fungus is usually treated with antifungal medication taken orally or applied topically as a cream.
How to get rid of capsulitis?
Switch to more comfortable shoes to deal with a bunion or capsulitis. Wear roomier shoes, with padding around your toe joints, that put less pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot. If possible, avoid doing strenuous activities that may also put pressure on your toes.