In many cases, swelling will resolve on its own after 1-3 days of rest. If you have an injured foot, consider using crutches or a cane to take the pressure off the swollen area. When you are sitting or lying down, prop up the swollen area on pillows. If you have a swollen arm caused by an injury, use the other arm to perform tasks, or ask for help from someone else. Use a sling to keep your arm elevated if necessary.
Icing reduces blood flow to the area and helps manage swelling, inflammation, and pain. If you’re still experiencing pain and swelling in an injured area after 72 hours of regular icing, contact your doctor. Call the doctor sooner if the pain or swelling gets worse even with frequent icing. Do not apply ice directly to your skin, as it may cause damage.
Take an OTC medication according to the product instructions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are on any prescription drugs, experience side effects, or have medication questions.
If you have access to an athletic trainer, physical therapist, or doctor, ask them for advice on wrapping your swollen joint. Alternatively, try compression stockings for your ankle or a compression sleeve for your knee or elbow. As with a bandage wrap, make sure they aren’t so tight that they cause tingling, numbness, or pain.
After the first 72 hours of regular icing, you may find relief by alternating between icing and heating the area—for instance, icing for 20 minutes, waiting 40 minutes, heating for 20 minutes, and so on.
Olive oil. Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collards. Nuts like almonds and walnuts. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines.
Diuretics are sometimes called water pills. They reduce fluid retention by limiting how much salt your body absorbs. Edema most commonly occurs in the feet, ankles, and legs, and sometimes in the hands and arms.
Practice yoga poses such as the “waterfall,” which can encourage retained fluid to flow from your legs back to the rest of your body and reduce swelling. Don’t overdo it! Stick to light activity that doesn’t cause any additional soreness, pain, or swelling in the affected area. If you sit at a desk all day at work and end up with swelling in your lower legs, schedule a quick walk around the office at least once per hour.
Nutrient depletion, especially of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and zinc, is always a concern if you have edema and are on diuretic medications. Supplements may be necessary, but also try eating more of the following high-nutrient foods:[11] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Potassium: potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, and bananas. Magnesium: nuts, seeds, beans, and dark green vegetables. Calcium: milk products, broccoli, and kale. Zinc: meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and milk products.
While the current adult sodium recommendation in the U. S. is to aim for less than 2,300 mg per day, try to lower that to 1,500 mg or less. It’s extremely difficult to get too little sodium in your diet, but talk to your doctor if you have congestive heart failure. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
Unexplained swelling can actually be a sign of dehydration. Opt for water and water-rich fruits and vegetables as much as possible, and cut back on alcohol (which can increase fluid retention) and sugary drinks (which often contain “hidden” sodium).
Use an EpiPen (epinephrine injection) if you have been prescribed one due to a history of allergic reactions. Inject the dose into your outer thigh, right through your clothes. If you don’t have an EpiPen, immediately move on to the next step. Call emergency services or, even better, have someone who is with you do it. Always use your EpiPen first (if you have one). Get medical attention and follow up with your primary care doctor and allergist, even if you’re feeling better after using the EpiPen.
Don’t get overly worried here! Swelling is no big deal in most cases, but it just makes sense to rule out potential problems. Severe swelling during pregnancy may be a sign of pre-eclampsia, an uncommon but serious condition that causes high blood pressure along with swelling. Certain medications can cause the body to swell up. Anti-depressants, hormone treatments, and blood pressure medication, for instance, may lead to swelling. Heart failure, kidney failure, and liver failure cause fluid to collect in the body and lead to swelling.
Chest pain. Shortness of breath. Fever. Warmth in the swollen area. A sudden increase in swelling during pregnancy. Swelling along with diagnosed heart or liver problems.
