How to improve swollen legs?


The abnormal accumulation of fluids that become trapped in the tissues can cause swelling, a disorder known as edema. Although this problem can affect any part of the body, it usually occurs more frequently in the lower extremities, due to the effect of the force of gravity.

When fluid buildup and swelling affect the ankles, feet, legs, and sometimes the calves and even thighs, it’s called peripheral edema, according to the US National Library of Medicine (Medline Plus).

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One of the main reasons why peripheral edema appears is heat. (EFE)

Likewise, alterations in the vasodilatation of the arterioles (small arteries) and the permeability of the blood capillaries (vessels that connect the arterioles with the venules or small veins), among other mechanisms, among other mechanisms, can influence the appearance of this problem, according to the Society Andalusian Family and Community Medicine (SAMFyC), in Spain.

One of the main reasons why peripheral edema appears is heat, they point out from the Health and Safety area of ​​TK Home Solutions, TKHS, a firm specializing in technological solutions for people with mobility problems.

TKHS experts point out that in addition to heat, there may be other causes of swollen feet and legs, which are aggravated by high temperatures.

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People prone to swollen legs and feet is to know the reason why peripheral edema appears, for which they should see a doctor. (EFE)

Staying in the same position for a long time without moving, eating foods with a lot of salt, suffering from diabetes or a kidney, heart or lymphatic system-related ailment, as well as hormonal changes experienced by women during pregnancy, menopause or menstruation , favor the appearance or worsening of peripheral edema, they point out.

The first step that TKHS recommends for people who are prone to swollen legs and feet is to know the reason why peripheral edema appears, for which they should go to the doctor, who will assess whether it is due to any disease or problem that You have to be careful, they point out.

They also propose a series of preventive measures aimed at preventing this problem from affecting us or worsening, if we already suffer from it, in hot seasons:

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Staying in the same position for a long time without moving, eating foods with a lot of salt, suffering from diabetes or a kidney, heart or lymphatic system-related ailment. (EFE)

  1. Maintain good hydration. It is important to drink water without waiting to feel thirsty. If the body doesn’t have enough fluids, it causes a drop in blood pressure, which translates into poorer circulation, according to TKHS.
  2. Avoid the hottest hours. Staying outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, around the time the sun is highest in the sky, is discouraged.
  3. Eat a balanced diet. Excess salt and other foods that contribute to fluid retention, such as alcoholic beverages or coffee, should be left out of the diet.
  4. Wear compression stockings. These garments help improve circulation in the legs by gently squeezing them to force blood back toward the heart.
  5. Stay active. Between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per week is recommended, even for those with a disability or chronic illness (in this case, under medical supervision).
  6. Change your posture. Those who remain in the same position for a long time (for example, working standing or sitting), should move the joints and muscles of the legs regularly, being enough to walk a little, every thirty minutes or an hour.
  7. Rest with your legs up. Resting your legs and keeping them slightly elevated for 15 to 20 minutes is helpful. Those who work sitting down can use a footrest that allows them to be raised a little.
  8. Give yourself a massage. In addition to being pleasant, massages with creams or other moisturizing products that give freshness will help deflate the affected area and boost circulation, being especially recommended for people with mobility problems.

by Paul Gutman

Source-www.diariolibre.com