Edema occurs when excess fluid gets trapped in body tissues and makes the area swell. While edema usually occurs in the feet, hands, and legs, you can experience it anywhere on your body. You may experience temporary edema from an injury or pregnancy, but it can last for a long time if it's something serious. Although edema can cause pain or irritation, there are several things you can do to reduce the swelling without using medication. However, if the edema doesn't go away or you have persistent pain, go to the doctor for a check-up.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Minimizing Fluid Buildup
Step 1. Walk for a few minutes every hour
Do not stand or sit for long periods of time in one place as this can cause fluid to pool in the body and cause swelling. Get up for a leg stretch and walk for about 3-5 minutes at least every hour, if possible. As long as you move frequently, the edema will not swell and be less painful.
Do not cross your legs when sitting, as this can block blood flow and make edema worse
Variation:
If you're traveling and it's impossible to stand up, try stretching your leg muscles and shifting positions frequently.
Step 2. Massage the edematous area by moving the massager towards the heart
Place the hand on the edematous area furthest from the heart. Apply as much pressure as possible on the swollen area, but don't make it painful. Move your hand on the edema, and direct the massage to the heart so that the fluid can flow properly in the body.
For example, if the edema is in your feet, start massaging your toes and work your way up to your ankles
Step 3. Lift the swollen area above the heart for about 30 minutes at a time
If possible, lie on your back to make it easier for you to raise the swollen area higher than your heart. Support the area of edema using a pillow to allow fluid and blood to drain from the area. If possible, keep the swollen area elevated for about 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a day.
If edema occurs in the hand or arm, raise the area overhead for 1-2 minutes at a time to drain the fluid. Raise your arm once every hour for a continuous flow of fluid
Step 4. Wear compression garments to prevent further swelling
Wear compression clothing (such as sleeves, stockings, or gloves) that can apply pressure when worn. Wear these clothes right after you wake up in the morning and continue wearing them for as long as you feel comfortable, which can be done for a few hours or throughout the day. Compression clothing can be worn daily to treat and prevent edema.
- Do not choose compression garments that are too tight as they can irritate the skin.
- Compression garments apply even pressure to the area of edema to prevent fluid buildup.
Method 2 of 4: Dealing with Pain
Step 1. Apply a cold compress if you experience swelling from the injury
You can use a damp cloth or ice pack to use as a cold compress. Place a cold compress on the swollen area and apply firm pressure to reduce the size of the edema. Keep the compress firmly on the skin for about 20 minutes whenever you feel pain or want to reduce swelling quickly. Cold compresses can be used once every hour.
- Do not put ice on the skin for more than 20 minutes because it can cause frostbite (frostbite).
- Cold compresses can help relieve inflammation so that the edema is less painful.
Step 2. Wear loose clothing to reduce pressure on the swollen area
Do not wear clothing that is tight against the skin as this can suppress the edema and make it painful. Wear clothing that is comfortable, fits snug, and doesn't impede movement, such as sweatpants and loose-fitting T-shirts. If the edema is in the feet, wear wide shoes and tie the laces loosely to prevent pain.
You can become irritated if tight clothing rubs against the edema for a long time
Step 3. Soak the swollen area in Epsom salt solution for pain relief
Fill the tub with warm water, then add 200 grams of Epsom salt. Let the salt dissolve in the water before you get into the tub. Soak the swollen area for about 15 to 20 minutes to relieve the aches and pains you are experiencing.
- You can get Epsom salt at an online store or pharmacy.
- Epsom salt will break down into magnesium and sulfate, which is then absorbed by the skin and helps relieve pain.
Step 4. Take magnesium supplements to treat fluid retention and pain
For best results, use supplements containing 200 to 400 mg of magnesium. Take the supplement daily in the morning to relieve pain and limit fluid retention, which will help reduce the size of the edema.
- Always consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements so that they do not affect other medicines you are currently taking.
- Magnesium will help relieve pain in the nerves so that it will help reduce edema.
Warning:
Do not take magnesium supplements if you have heart or kidney disease.
Step 5. Apply lavender essential oil as a natural anti-inflammatory
Mix 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil with 1 tbsp. (15 ml) solvent oil, such as avocado, olive or almond oil. Gently rub this oil mixture on the swollen skin until it is absorbed into the body. Apply the oil once or twice a day to reduce swelling and pain.
- Lavender is an antioxidant and has been shown to reduce and prevent edema.
- You can also try mint, eucalyptus, or chamomile oil.
Method 3 of 4: Changing Diet and Lifestyle
Step 1. Follow a low sodium diet to treat fluid retention
Salt keeps fluid in the body and increases the size of edema. Therefore, avoid processed foods, such as soups, meats, and processed snacks. Instead, eat whole grains, salt-free snacks, fresh vegetables and fruits, or fresh meats. Check the nutritional content on the product packaging and eat according to the recommended portion. If possible, eat a low-sodium diet to avoid excess salt.
- Instead of salt in cooking, use spices, seasonings, or even lemon juice to add flavor to your food.
- If you eat out of the house, ask the waiter not to use salt in your food, and ask for a substitute for seasoning.
Warning:
Some medications also contain sodium so you should check the label before taking them. If you get prescription drugs, consult your doctor for alternative drugs.
Step 2. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated
Although edema occurs due to accumulation of fluid, water can help clear the area of edema and remove excess fluid. Try to drink about 8 glasses of water consumed evenly throughout the day (each glass contains about 250 ml). Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks as they can dehydrate the body.
Most sports drinks are high in sodium so you should avoid them
Step 3. Avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages when you have edema
Limit the amount of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products (in any form) because they can stress and dehydrate the body. You can start smoking and drinking alcohol once the edema is gone or completely healed. Otherwise, the pain and swelling size of the edema will increase.
Smoking and drinking alcohol can limit the nutrients that lead to edema and make it worse
Step 4. Do light exercise every day to improve blood flow
You should stay active about 4-5 days a week for at least 30 minutes at each exercise. Try walking, jogging, swimming, or lifting light weights because these activities don't stress the body. Once you're comfortable with light exercise, try increasing the intensity or weight of the weights you lift to help relieve the pain even more.
- Moderate exercise makes it easier for oxygen and nutrients to reach the area of edema and makes it heal faster.
- If the edema is very painful, talk to your doctor about the most appropriate exercise for you.
Step 5. Keep the swollen area protected and moist to avoid injury
Rub a moisturizing cream or lotion on the edematous area 2-3 times a day to keep the skin from drying out. Be careful when doing activities so that the body is not injured or injured at the site of the swelling. If possible, cover the edematous area with a cloth to prevent it from being cut or scratched.
If your skin is dry, you are more prone to injury and take longer to recover
Method 4 of 4: Getting Medical Help
Step 1. Consult a doctor if you have severe edema
Severe edema can be a symptom of a serious underlying condition. Go to the doctor if you have severe swelling anywhere in the body. The doctor will identify the cause and treat it appropriately. Seek medical help if:
- Swollen, stretched, or shiny skin
- The skin remains dented or curvy as soon as you press it.
- You are pregnant and have sudden swelling of your face or hands.
Step 2. Call your doctor right away if you have swelling in your feet that is accompanied by pain
If you have persistent swelling and pain in your legs after sitting for a long time, you may have a blood clot. This condition can be dangerous if not treated immediately. Immediately call a doctor or go to the hospital if you experience symptoms of blood clots in the legs.
The edematous part of the leg may also be red or warm to the touch
Warning:
Blood clots in the veins can break off and travel to the lungs, resulting in a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism. Go to the ER immediately or call emergency services if you suddenly have shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing, dizziness, fast heart rate, or coughing up blood.
Step 3. Get emergency care if you develop symptoms of pulmonary edema
Pulmonary edema is a buildup of fluid in the lungs. This condition can be dangerous if, especially if it occurs suddenly. Call emergency services or have someone take you to the hospital if you have symptoms of pulmonary edema, for example:
- Wheezing, difficulty breathing, or sudden shortness of breath
- Cough with frothy or pink phlegm
- Sweat a lot
- Skin turns gray or bluish
- Confused, dizzy, or dizzy
Warning
- If the swelling doesn't go away after more than two weeks has passed, see a doctor to see if there's an underlying cause.
- Always consult your doctor before you use any natural medications or supplements to prevent negative interactions with the medications you are currently taking.
- If you have a severe headache, confusion, neck pain, or blurred vision, this may be a sign of brain edema. Go to the doctor and take the medicine given to reduce swelling.
