What Are the Treatments for Swollen Feet?

Swollen feet occur when foot muscles contain excess fluids. This condition is also referred to as edema. Edema typically affects feet, ankles and lower legs. Swelling can happen as a result of sitting or standing for long periods of time. It can also be associated with conditions characterized by fluid retention.

Lifestyle Tips

• To reduce swelling, cut back or discontinue using salt; it plays a major role in fluid retention. Establish a regular exercise routine to improve circulation, and try to avoid sitting for long periods of time. Get up, stretch and take a short walk every one to two hours. Increase your fluid intake by drinking plenty of water. Lose excess weight to take pressure off of veins, which will also improve circulation. As a daily exercise, lie on your back and put your feet up three to four times a day for at least 15 minutes.

Common Treatments

• Place feet in a bucket of cold water for instant relief from swelling. You can also use two buckets alternating between hot and cold water. Place feet in hot water (as hot as you can stand) for 10 minutes, then switch to cold water bucket for 30 seconds. Repeat this process throughout the day to reduce swelling. Massage ginger oil on your feet to reduce swelling, soothe aches and help with circulation. Another effective method is using peppermint massage oil because it also reduces edema. Rolling a tennis ball under feet for a few minutes is a great way to treat swelling.

Alternative Remedies

• There are some herbs that have natural diuretic properties and can alleviate swelling. Dandelion root provides relief from water retention. Ginkgo can improve blood circulation which aids swelling reduction. Watercress works by ridding the body of sodium, and excessive fluids. Parsley is a diuretic herb that increases the amount of fluid that is excreted through urine. Horsetail also treats swollen feet by increasing urine production. Consult with a physician if the problem persists, damages skin, is accompanied by rapid weight again or shortness of breath.