Leg swelling is a problem that many seniors face every day. Many things can cause this, including medication, weight gain, and fluid overload. The thing about leg swelling is it affects more than just the legs themselves; it often causes chafing, which results in open wounds that are difficult to heal because of their location. This problem is made worse because most seniors are very inactive and spend much of their time sitting. The best way to deal with leg swelling problems is to prevent them before starting. However, if you develop leg swelling, you can seek treatment from a Warner Robins leg swelling specialist. You can also manage mild forms of leg swelling at home with the following tips.
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Diet
One of the best ways to manage leg swelling is diet. Your doctor may recommend a low sodium diet. High salt diets often lead to fluid retention in the body, which can cause leg swelling. However, make sure you don’t remove all salt from your diet; having too little sodium can lead to another medical issue known as hyponatremia. Mild fluid overload is common, and most seniors do not need to be on a strict low sodium diet unless they have been instructed to by their doctor.
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Use a Foot Pillow
Foot pillows are excellent tools that can prevent leg swelling. Your feet tend to swell; however, this is not an issue if your pillow is designed to accommodate it. Look for a foot pillow on the market today that cradles your feet and ensures they don’t hang off the side of the bed. These pillows are designed to relax your feet and legs while you sleep, which helps prevent painful leg swelling in the morning.
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Exercise to Enhance Lymph Drainage
Poor lymph drainage in your legs can make leg swelling worse. However, when you exercise, the muscles in your legs contract and release, which enhances lymph drainage. Every day, spend some time walking or exercising to improve lymph drainage. The best way to do this is probably by going for a walk. However, if frequent walking isn’t an option due to another medical issue, consider swimming or water aerobics instead.
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Pressure Point Therapy
The ancient art of pressure point therapy is a holistic technique that dates back thousands of years. It’s also one of the best ways to deal with leg swelling and prevent it from worsening. Pressure point therapy involves applying deep pressure via finger thrusts or knuckle strikes to specific points on your body which can help relieve pain and stress. To use this technique, locate the tender or painful areas, apply pressure using your fingers or knuckles for a few seconds at a time, and repeat as necessary.
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Over-the-Counter Medication
If you are looking for a way to deal with leg swelling at home, consider taking over-the-counter medication. There are many options available that can help reduce the appearance of fluid retention in your legs. Look for ibuprofen or paracetamol, which can relieve pain and inflammation naturally without posing any severe side effects.
In summary, leg swelling is a common problem mainly affecting seniors. You can treat leg swelling at home using over-the-counter medication, pressure point therapy, and exercise. Using a foot pillow and watching your diet can also help. If your leg swelling does not respond to treatment, make sure you see a specialist.