Do you often wish that work would end fast so you can just get into bed or prop up your feet? Do you dread wearing high heels for fear that the swelling in your feet won’t go away for the next 3 days? People who have swollen feet often suffer silently as they feel that theirs isn’t a serious medical condition and will go away with a little rest. There are other things to worry about in life, aren’t they? Well, if the swelling in your feet is recurrent, it will be wise to take care of it before it turns into something serious.
Why is it that your feet are constantly swollen after a day of work or some walking? Some reasons are pretty simple. However, others require some attention. Here is a list to see if your case of swollen feet matches any of these causes:
Besides, some underlying medical conditions such as arthritis, thyroid problems, allergic reactions, varicose veins, venous insufficiency and lymphatic obstruction may also at times trigger swelling (or Oedema) in the feet.
If you belong to any or many of the following categories, you are most susceptible to swelling in the feet and/or ankles. Check if you are:
Most cases of oedema in the feet go away after a little bit of rest and elevating the feet. However, you must consider consulting a doctor if the swelling has started interfering with your normal day-to-day activities. If you develop pain, high temperature, local heat and redness, it is wise to mention this to your doctor. CAUTION: Pregnant women who develop infrequent urination, vomiting or nausea, blurred vision and/or abdominal pain along with foot oedema must rush to the doctor as it can indicate a life-threatening complication – preeclampsia.
In case your swollen feet indicate no serious medical condition, but are just a nuisance you normally put up with, here are some easy swollen feet remedies and practices you can adopt in the comfort of your home to combat it. They are all easy to do and very cost-effective. Most of them use equipment and cures that are found in every home.
This is probably the most common remedy for tired and swollen feet. Take half a cup of Epsom Salt (crystals of hydrated magnesium sulphate, useful in curing muscle soreness) or simply common salt in half a bucket or tub of warm water. Soak your feet in the saline solution for 10-15 minutes and feel immediate relief. You can do this each night before retiring to bed.
This is something you can try while sitting at work or lying down in bed at home. When at work, prop up your feet on a stool and keep flexing the ankles at regular intervals. When you are in the comfort of your bed, you can try elevating the feet (to the point where they are at least a foot above the heart’s level). This can be done by propping the feet on some cushions or even on the wall for 5-10 minutes. I have tried it many times, and it is immensely and immediately relieving.
For those of you living in the medical Dark Age, Tonic water is carbonated water to which a little quinine has been added. Initially used as a cure for malaria, tonic water is also a good way to bring down the swelling of the feet. Soak your feet in cold or room temperature tonic water. The quinine acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and the fizz in the carbonated water is a great relaxant.
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