Swelling in joints and extremities can be caused by physical trauma, standing for long periods, diet, and lack of exercise. Ice, lying down, wearing support stockings, a healthy diet, exercise, and massage can help reduce swelling. Medication should only be taken after making lifestyle changes and consulting with a doctor.
Swelling in joints and extremities can occur for a variety of reasons. Often, the swelling can trigger a fair amount of pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to address the source of the problem and reduce swelling before long-term damage occurs.
One of the most common reasons behind swelling is some sort of physical trauma to the body. Slipping on wet pavement, twisting an ankle while running, or even something like walking through a door can create a type of swelling that needs to be addressed quickly. Applying ice as soon as possible will help reduce swelling and facilitate the healing process.
Standing for long periods sometimes causes swelling in the legs and ankles. The quickest way to reduce swelling in this situation is to lie down. Getting off your feet gives a chance for gravity to take over and begin relieving the stress on your feet and legs. Even sitting in a comfortable chair can be enough to relieve swollen ankles, especially if your feet are resting on an ottoman.
Another common trick to reduce swelling is to wear support stockings or stockings. Sometimes referred to as compression socks, support socks gently massage your legs and ankles, promoting efficient blood flow. Wearing socks of this type as a preventative measure is a good idea if you experience swelling in your feet and legs on a regular basis.
Looking closely at your diet can identify that part of your struggles with swollen joints have to do with what you eat and how you season your food. Minimizing salty foods can make a big difference. Reducing the amount of caffeine you consume daily can also lead to some relief. If you drink, limit your alcohol intake to no more than one or two drinks a day. Add more fresh fruits and vegetables, and choose lean meats instead of cuts that are high in fat. Proper nutrition will not only minimize the incidence of bloating but will also ensure that your body has what it needs to function at peak performance levels.
Being active will also help reduce swelling in your feet, legs, arms and hands. Exercises that get you up and moving stimulate the entire body and help minimize physical factors that could be causing swelling. Discuss with your doctor the types of exercises that would be best for you. Between the two of you, it should be possible to design an exercise program that helps with swollen joints but doesn’t aggravate other health issues.
A simple massage on your hands, feet, or legs can go a long way in reducing swelling. You can also use basic massage techniques while watching television in the evening. The stimulation will encourage healthy blood flow and reduce the risk of swelling.
Your doctor may also prescribe medications to reduce joint swelling. In general, taking medication is only considered an option after making changes to your diet and lifestyle. Make sure you only take pills that have been cleared by your doctor; this will help prevent any incidence of an adverse reaction with any other medicines you are currently taking.
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