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Exercises for Leg Swelling

Swelling of the legs occurs when tiny capillaries leak fluid to the surrounding tissues and is caused by sitting or standing for too long, poor circulation or by medical conditions such as heart failure and cancer. Performing leg exercises such as foot extensions, toe raises and leg kicks can prevent or reduce edema.

  1. Foot Extensions

    • Performing foot extensions can help relieve swelling of the legs and may be done in one of two ways. One way to do foot extensions is to sit on the edge of a chair with your legs extended straight out in front of you, heels resting on the floor and toes pointing toward the ceiling. Slowly lower your toes until they are pointing away from you. Another way to perform foot extensions is to sit on the floor, legs straight out in front of you, and flex your toes out and back up to the ceiling. Perform foot extensions at least twice a day for 5 to 10 minutes each time.

    Toe Raises

    • Toe raises help stretch calf muscles and increase blood circulation. Perform this exercise by standing with your feet flat on the floor. Raise up on your toes and then bring your heels back down to the floor, making sure that your heels do not touch the floor. Repeat. Do three repetitions of ten, and gradually increase repetitions as you get used to the exercise.

    Leg Kicks

    • Leg kicks also help combat leg swelling by increasing blood circulation and also help fluid move through the body. To perform leg kicks, stand up with your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on your hips or rest them at your side. Kick your right leg out and then your left leg. Kick slowly at first, and then pick up the pace when you get used to doing leg kicks. Leg kicks are a great cardio workout that gets the heart pumping. Perform leg kicks at least once a day for 5 to 10 minutes.

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