For swelling that's painful, a doctor may prescribe a pain reliever or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Should I take a water pill if my legs are swollen?
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. Bartholomew.5 Jun 2020
What can bring down swollen feet?
- 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.
Can lack of water cause feet to swell?
Individuals suffering from venous insufficiency may also experience edema. “Usually, individuals who suffer from heaviness and leg swelling make the mistake of not drinking enough water says Dr. Marco Setti, Head of Vascular Surgery at Humanitas Gavazzeni.29 Nov 2019
How do you get rid of edema naturally?
- Movement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart.
- Elevation.
- Massage.
- Compression.
- Protection.
- Reduce salt intake.
What supplements reduce edema?
- Try a diuretic. Pick up an over-the-counter remedy containing ammonium and caffeine, or an herbal diuretic containing goldenrod, corn silk, horsetail, juniper, or dandelion.
- Fill up on flavonoids.
- Check out butcher's broom.
Why do I retain water in my legs?
When an area of the body is not functioning properly, the body tends to retain fluid in that area of the body. The body becomes unable to eliminate fluid properly when certain medical conditions are present. Standing for long periods of time causes fluids to pool in the legs, thus increasing water retention.
Can you lose water weight in your legs?
A workout also stimulates blood flow and improves circulation, which can reduce fluid buildup throughout the body, especially in the legs and feet. Exercise reduces water weight even more by burning through glycogen energy stores. However, replacing lost fluids is vital after any physical activity to avoid dehydration.12 Jan 2018
What are the main causes of edema?
- Long periods of standing or sitting. Sitting or standing for too long can cause extra fluid to build up in your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
- Venous insufficiency.
- Chronic (long-term) lung diseases.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Pregnancy.
- Low levels of protein.
How serious is edema?
Most of the time, the edema is not a serious illness, but it may be a sign for one. Here are some examples: Venous insufficiency can cause edema in the feet and ankles, because the veins are having trouble transporting enough blood all the way to the feet and back to the heart.5 Nov 2008