Remedy for leg swelling: how to choose the right way?

One of the most pressing problems among women and men is swollen legs.Often, swelling goes away by itself, but in most cases the precedent is not repeated once, thereby hinting at certain pathological changes in the body.What can be the cause?Is it possible to fix everything?How to prevent the onset of edema?Our article will tell about this and many other things.

Contents:

• Foot swelling: causes
• Swollen feet: what to do?
• Foot swelling during pregnancy
• Swelling of the legs in the elderly
• Cardiac edema
• Medications
• Diuretic for edema
• Prevention of edema of the legs

Foot swelling: causes

Swelling of the legs can be caused by various reasons.Conventionally they are divided into physiological and pathological.

The following apply to the first:

• abuse of fatty and salty foods;Excessive intake of fluid before bedtime;
• ;
• flat feet;
• is overweight;
• high air temperature( often swelling occurs in summer);
• pregnancy( usually the second period);
• stay for a long time in an uncomfortable position or standing;
• uncomfortable shoes.

The second block of causes is serious enough to ask for help from a specialist.

Of these, we can distinguish:

• cirrhosis;
• diabetes mellitus;
• gestosis( complication during pregnancy);
• thyroid, kidney or heart disease;
• varicose veins;
• stasis of lymph.

The causes of edema formation are so diverse that it is necessary to proceed to treatment only after the main source of the disease is identified.

On the causes of leg edema, learn from the proposed video program Live Healthily.

My legs swell: what should I do?

To get rid of the problem of leg edema completely, only treatment of the underlying disease, which can be prescribed only by a specialist, can be done.However, you can still improve your health and, at least a little, but get rid of swelling.

Partially remove swelling will help:

• healing bath with sea salt( it is recommended to use either warm or room-temperature water);
• foot massage( lightly rubbing your feet and lower legs upwards);
• easy gymnastics( finger movements and circular movements of the feet);
• the location of the feet "above the heart" when resting( just put them on the pillows);
• restriction in salt( it provokes fluid retention in the body);
• rejection of socks on elastic bands.

A good panacea are folk methods: decoctions of herbs and berries, diuretics, etc.Excellent effect is elder, sporish, flax seeds, birch buds.Natural ingredients are safe, but women with pregnancy, people with kidney disease and digestive system, should consult a doctor.

Do not forget that the above is help, not the full treatment.

Swelling of the feet during pregnancy

Pregnancy is the time of reorganization of the internal system and the organs of the woman.As a result, there are some complications, the most common of which are swelling of the legs.

The fact is that during pregnancy, the body's need for water increases dramatically.First of all, this is due to the increase in amniotic fluid.Hormones provoke a constant thirst and a woman is forced to consume more water than usual.In the end, there is a problem - swelling of the legs.This phenomenon is quite normal, but the doctor's observation does not hurt.

"Normal" edema is absolutely painless and does not cause deterioration of the woman's condition.Appear in the afternoon.However, after a short rest in a horizontal position completely pass.

Swelling of the legs can become a symptom of a serious complication during pregnancy - gestosis.Outside, they look usually, so many do not pay attention to it.Often the disease is accompanied by headaches, increased blood pressure, and protein in the urine.Once one of these symptoms is detected - it's time to sound an alarm.Otherwise, there is a risk of getting edema not only of the legs, but also of the internal tissues, placenta, uterus, liver and brain.

When pregnancy is necessary to fully listen to the advice of a doctor and follow all the recommendations.

These include the following:

• exclusion or minimization of carbonated and sweet drinks;
• decrease in the amount of salt consumed with food;
• a balanced diet that includes a sufficient amount of protein.

Any problem is better prevented than treated, especially during pregnancy, when the body requires special attention.

Swelling of the legs in the elderly

Each age has its own characteristics.In old age, the metabolic processes of the body slow down, and the glands of internal secretion gradually lose their former functions.This provokes the retention of water in the body, which ultimately leads to swelling of the extremities.

After 45 years, there is a risk of cardiovascular disease, which can also cause a similar symptom.In any case, do not postpone the trip to a specialist for tomorrow.At stake is the most expensive - your own health.

Reasons for leg edema in the elderly can be a lot.

We list some of them:

• venous insufficiency( such edema is accompanied by pain and discomfort);
• thrombosis( often due to prolonged bed rest, low mobility, flight, etc.);
• heart failure( increasing pain and swelling gradually increase from foot to thigh);
• liver and kidney disease;
• obesity;
• medication( old age dramatically increases the use of medicines, some of which have side effects - in this case, swelling).

Depending on the diagnosis, the treatment of leg edema will vary.However, you can help yourself by taking diuretics that help remove excess fluid from the body.Also good are herbs that have diuretic properties.

Edema of the legs in old age - not a problem, if you pay enough attention to the body, conducting periodic preventive procedures.

Cardiac Foot Swelling

One of the main symptoms of heart failure is stagnation of fluid in the body, which causes swelling.Lack of right ventricle leads to pulmonary edema.The left one - to the swelling of the legs.In most cases, with both heart diseases, both legs suffer.

In the early stages of the disease, puffiness in the legs seems to many to be common.The feet and shins are swollen, but after a short rest everything returns to normal.This is what drives the majority astray: a symptom is taken for ordinary fatigue.

In case of failure to provide timely medical assistance, the disease can progress, and puffiness can take on new forms and move from the shins higher to the hips.At this stage, there are other symptoms: shortness of breath, high fatigue, pain in the right side, yellowed eye whites and facial skin.

Control of swelling of the legs in the early stages of the disease is easy: baths, lotions, rest in a horizontal position, herbal tea and diuretics.All this allows you to get rid of trouble in the shortest possible time.But in advanced stages of heart failure, everything is much more complicated.First of all, in this case, the main source of the problem - the heart - is taken under control.

It is not necessary to do without medications that have a complex effect on the cardiovascular system as a whole.

Often in such cases, diuretics and, so-called, cardiac glycosides are prescribed.They favorably affect the work of the heart, at the same time stimulate the process of removing fluid from the body, restoring the legs to their former health and pleasant appearance.

As you can see, the swelling of the legs is not always purely physiological reasons.They may well be a symptom of such a serious disease as heart failure.

Drugs for leg edema

To date, doctors have not yet invented a single cure for leg swelling.Depending on the type of disease, a specific treatment is prescribed, the complex of which includes special medications.

Edema of the legs is divided into three types:

• swelling without pathology;
• venous;
• cardiac and renal.

Swelling without pathology

For this type, it is unnecessary to use special preparations.The effect is directly on the feet( massages, wearing compression stockings, elevated position of the legs when resting).It is also possible for topical application of ointments and gels such as:

• gapatrobin;
• aescin;
• Lyton gel;
• troxevasin.

Venous edema

This requires a comprehensive approach to solving the problem, aimed primarily at fighting venous insufficiency.Recommended special stockings or bandage with a compressive effect.The drugs are prescribed by a specialist, however they usually look like this:

• phlebotonics, such as detraleks and escusans, are designed to strengthen the walls of veins and improve microcirculation in the blood vessels;
• blood-thinning preparations( eg, cardiomagnet, aspecard), which remove swelling from the legs due to dilution of blood;
• topical preparations( clopidogrel, aescin, tracevazin).

Cardiac and renal edema

Treatment involves direct medication on the kidneys and heart.In combination with diuretics, it is necessary to take drugs containing potassium.For example, asparks.The fact is that the body, along with urine, loses valuable potassium ions, which must be constantly replenished.

In case of renal failure, potassium preparations are contraindicated.

However, it is important to stimulate the proper operation of the heart.Here, cardioprotective agents that strengthen the heart muscle come to the rescue.

It is quite acceptable combination of medicinal treatment, traditional and folk remedies.So, on an equal basis with drugs, the use of medicinal broths based on herbs and berries is allowed.

Whatever the reasons and methods for the treatment of leg edema, they should all be approved by a specialist after a thorough examination and diagnosis.

Diuretic for foot edema

Diuretics are a group of drugs whose actions are aimed at removing excess fluid from the body, as well as increased urine output.Since swelling of the legs is nothing else than unnecessary water in the tissues, the diuretic is the most effective panacea for this problem.

The effect of the drugs is one, but their composition is different.Some of them have their own, unique properties.Depending on the main problem that caused swelling of the legs, this or that remedy is prescribed.Diuretics are divided into three main groups:

• potassium-sparing;
• thiazide;
• loopback.

A powerful effect is exerted by the last, loop diuretics.The duration of their action is not great, but they deserve recognition.As they say in the people: "Quality, tested by experience."

One of the most popular drugs of this group is furosemide.It has established itself as an excellent diuretic.It is often used in complex treatment, having a beneficial effect on the heart, liver and kidneys.

Along with medicinal preparations, folk remedies with a diuretic effect are actively used.They are safe and much cheaper than the "official" brethren.

Decoction from the roots of the fuming

A universal remedy for edema, which, besides the main task, is quite successful with the strengthening of the vascular wall.

Preparation: 1 tablespoon chopped root pour a glass of boiling water and hold for about 30 minutes on a steam bath.Then leave for 20 minutes, then drain.In the resulting broth, add as much boiling water to a full glass.Take 3 teaspoons a day before meals.

Infusion of birch leaves and spores

Also an excellent remedy actively used in folk medicine.

Preparation: mix the plants( one teaspoonful) and pour a glass of water.To send on fire and boil for 20 minutes.Insist 30 minutes.Take half a cup in the morning and in the evening.

Burdock infusion

Another popular tool among the people whose raw materials are easy to obtain.

Preparation: Pour a teaspoon of mug into 0.5 liters of boiling water and send to infuse overnight.Take the remedy in small portions the whole next day.

There are also a number of natural diuretics "from the bed": cucumber, melon, watermelon, tomato, etc.

When swelling of the feet can not do without diuretics.It is not necessary to take medications( if the state of health and the specialist allows), since there is an effective alternative - folk therapy.

Prevention of edema of the legs

Even if swelling is not a frequent occurrence, not causing discomfort, it is important to follow preventive measures that will preserve the beauty and health of your legs for a long time.

• Footwear.Perhaps, one of the factors of the appearance of edema is uncomfortable shoes, on a high heel or on a completely flat platform.To improve blood circulation, you need to choose something average - a small heel.This will prevent not only swelling, but also reduce the fatigue of the legs to a minimum.
• Salt and water.Edema provokes water, which, in turn, delays in the body of salt.Especially, this refers to the summer time, when a person experiences a double thirst and consumes twice as much water.To prevent swelling of the legs, you need to try to exclude salt from your diet.
• A sedentary lifestyle.Life is motion.If you do not follow this principle, you can end up getting not only swelling on your legs, but also other troubles, such as obesity and varicose veins.During the day, the body needs a banal warm-up.
• Sleep and rest.Going to sleep or rest, the legs must be fixed above the level of the heart.It is not difficult to do this by placing a pillow or a roller under them.
• Medications.One of the reasons for the appearance of edema on the legs are medicines.Consultation with a doctor will help to get rid of this problem: in the extreme case the specialist will replace the funds for more suitable ones.

Leg edema is a problem familiar to many.Do not be afraid to visit a specialist, because it is possible that this is only the tip of the iceberg.In the case of a serious illness, self-medication is harmful and even dangerous.If swelling is an ordinary consequence of fatigue, then there are a lot of ways to eliminate this trouble.The main thing is to watch your body and notice the signs that it gives every day.