Home Remedy to Reduce Swollen Legs

Legs can swell for various reasons, including prolonged periods of standing, injury and insect bites and stings. When swelling occurs, treating it as soon as possible can prevent the swelling from getting too large. There are several things you can do at home to treat swelling in your legs. If these home remedies don't work, however, it is best to see a doctor, especially if the swelling is the result of an injury or sting.

Elevation and Compression

• A simple way to reduce leg swelling is by elevating your legs. Find a comfortable spot to sit, then grab some pillows or cushions and set them up so that, once you rest your legs on them, your feet are above the level of your heart. Place cold compresses against your legs to further reduce swelling. Compression of the legs may help as well. Wrap your legs in bandages for a while as you elevate and ice them.

  You may have a sprained muscle in your leg that is causing the swelling. If this is the case, you should use a different kind of compress than simple bandages. Take some vinegar and mix it with hot water. Then, in a different bowl, mix vinegar and ice. Soak one towel in one bowl and another in the other. Place these towels on your legs alternately until swelling subsides.

Movement

• For swelling that is due to prolonged standing, you can reduce the swelling by moving in place. Because your blood has pooled in one stationary position for so long, swelling starts. Therefore, walking in place to get the muscles working again is advisable. You may also engage in light exercise to stretch your legs and help the swelling go down. If you've exercised a lot and stopped suddenly, this can cause swelling as well. Give yourself a cool-down period after exercise.

Bug Bite Remedies

• If your leg is swollen because of an insect bite or sting, you have several options. You can reduce swelling and itching by taking an oatmeal bath and soaking your legs. Wash the area with warm soap and water and then apply one of a number of different pastes that you can make. One paste is made with baking soda and water. Another, used for bites from potentially poisonous insects, is made of cornstarch and water. For mosquito bites or other kinds of bites, mix salt and water together, but make sure the skin is not broken to save yourself the pain of salt in an open wound.

Diet and Wardrobe

• To prevent swelling, limit your intake of sodium. Excess sodium can cause swelling in some people. Make sure your pants are not too restrictive, as tight clothing can interfere with proper circulation and cause swelling. In addition, you will need to wear comfortable shoes if you have to stand for long periods of time.