How to Deal with Swelling Legs

How to Deal with Swelling Legs

Many people experience pain and swelling in their legs without truly knowing the cause. Sometimes, the root of this pain is varicose veins, which is very common, and can often be overlooked because not all varicose veins bulge on the surface of the skin. Due to a buildup of pressure, blood, and toxins in the leg, a person can experience achiness, heaviness, and fatigue in the legs.

When it comes to leg swelling caused by varicose veins, it can vary from minor cases to full-blown edema. As the day goes on, leg swelling can worsen when caused by leakage in the veins. Swelling in the legs and ankles can easily worsen by heat or standing or swelling. Although it’s best to seek out a doctor if you’re experiencing leg swelling, there are things you can do and change in your daily life to help reducing the swelling in your legs cause by a venous insufficiency.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of ways to help with your swelling legs.

Wear Compression Stockings –  Compression stockings usually remove achiness in the legs, but this usually is only temporary. Compression stockings use strong elastics to create pressure at certain points in the legs (knees, ankles, and feet). Their purpose is to place pressure on the legs and increase the blood flow velocity and effectiveness of weakened valves.  By using these stockings, less blood will pool in the legs and feet.

Drink More Water – By drinking more water throughout the day, you will flush the body of any toxins and any additional sodium that it is holding onto that can create bloating.

Decrease Sodium Intake – Start paying attention to the amount of sodium you’re consuming in a day. When you begin to reduce sodium in your diet, less swelling and bloating will occur, because less water will be sticking to the body tissue. There are plenty of sodium or salt-free alternatives for condiments and plenty of packaged foods with reduced or little sodium.

Exercise – When a person isn’t moving around, the blood is more likely to pool in the legs and feet, which in turn causes swelling and varicose veins. It’s best never to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. It’s a good idea to stretch or walk every hour or so to get the blood moving. The exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous, as long as you’re getting some additional movement in your day.

Although all these tips can help relieve some swelling and pain, they cannot get rid of varicose veins. If you’re in bad discomfort and worried about your health, contact Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center for a consult today; he will be able to take a look at your swollen legs and veins and determine the proper treatment for you. To call Dr. Zuzga, click here or call 727-712-3233.