Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Treating Trauma-Induced Edema
• Method 2 of 3: Treating Generalized Edema
• Method 3 of 3: Know. When to seek medical attention
• Tips
• Warnings

Swelling can occur as a result of injury, pregnancy, and other conditions in your body. Without proper treatment, the swelling can become debilitating and even painful. Lifting the swollen area, drinking plenty of fluids, and applying something cold can reduce the swelling. Read on to find out how to get rid of the swelling.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Treating Trauma-Induced Edema

1. 1 Keep the swollen area at rest. If your body is swollen from injury or poor circulation, it is best to give your body a rest. If your legs are swollen, try not to exhaust them for at least a few days until the swelling goes away.
   • If your feet are injured, consider using crutches or a cane to relieve tension from the swollen area.
   • If your arm is swollen from an injury, use your other hand to perform the action or ask someone else for help.
2. 2 Lift the swollen body part. When sitting or lying down, lift the swollen area onto a pillow, above your heart level. This will prevent blood from accumulating in the swollen area and help blood circulation.
   • Use a strap to hold your hand, if necessary.
   • If the swelling is extensive, sit and lift the swollen body part for a few hours.
3. 3 Apply a cold compress. High temperatures will worsen the swelling, so help the swelling by applying a cold compress. Try not to apply ice directly to your skin, but wrap the ice pack in a towel and apply it to the swollen area. Keep the compress for 15 minutes, several times a day.
4. 4 Take your medicine. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are medicines that reduce pain and swelling. The most popular are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Talk to your doctor to find out which medication is right for your situation.

Method 2 of 3: Treating Generalized Edema

1. 1 Engage in light-duty exercise. Although you may want to keep the swollen part at rest, not moving for long periods of time can impair circulation and may even increase the swelling. Get up and walk during your workday and engage in light-duty exercise. This can be yoga, swimming and walking.
   • If you sit at your desk all day, stand up from time to time. If this is not possible, try to walk around the office once an hour.
   • When you are sitting, change positions frequently and keep your legs a little higher.
2. 2 Minimize the amount of salt. High salt levels contribute to puffiness, so try not to eat foods high in salt. Also, drink plenty of water to flush the salt out of your body.
   • To increase the cleansing properties of the water, add cucumber or lemon slices, which are anti-inflammatory.
   • Whenever possible, choose water over other drinks that contain salt. Even sugary drinks are often high in salt.
3. 3 Adjust your clothes. Tight clothing over swollen parts of your body can obstruct blood circulation, which can worsen your swelling. Try not to wear tight clothing (especially nylon stockings or pantyhose) and instead wear supportive stockings for swelling.
4. 4 Take a magnesium supplement. If you suffer from magnesium deficiency, your edema may worsen. Buy magnesium supplements from your pharmacy and take 250 mg daily.
5. 5 Dip the area in tonic water. Bubbles and quinine will help reduce swelling. Pour cold (or room temperature if you don't like cold) into a bowl and dip the swollen areas for 15-20 minutes once a day.
6. 6 Take a magnesium sulfate bath. Epsom salts act as natural anti-inflammatory agents when dissolved in water. Add two tablespoons of simple magnesium sulfate to warm bath water and let dissolve. Repeat the procedure daily for best results.
7. 7 Sign up for a massage. Rubbing the swollen area reduces swelling and improves blood circulation. Sign up for a professional massage or self-massage the swollen area of ​​your body. Use grapefruit essential oil to increase the efficiency of the process. If you are self-massage, work upward from the swelling, not downward.

Method 3 of 3: Know. When to seek medical attention

1. 1 See your doctor if you have chronic swelling. If the above methods have not cured your swelling in a few days, see your doctor to determine the problem that is causing your body swelling.
   • Increased swelling during pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious complication that causes high blood pressure and swelling.
   • Some medications can cause swelling. Antidepressants, hormones, and blood pressure medications can cause swelling.
   • Heart, kidney, and liver failure can cause fluid to build up in the body and cause swelling.
2. 2 Call your doctor right away if you have other serious symptoms. Puffiness in the ligaments and other symptoms may mean that you have heart, kidney or liver problems and you need to urgently seek medical attention. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
   • You are experiencing chest pain.
   • You are having difficulty breathing.
   • You are pregnant and notice increased swelling.
   • You have a fever.
   • You have been diagnosed with heart or liver problems and have noticeable swelling.
   • The swollen part of the body is warm to the touch.

Tips

• Try several methods of reducing puffiness at once, as they are especially effective when combined.
• Being overweight can cause swelling. If you are overweight and have poor circulation and, as a result, puffiness, consider a little weight loss and overall recovery.

Warnings

• Any unexplained swelling on your body for no reason should be shown to your doctor.
• If the swelling is very extensive or you think you have broken a bone, see your doctor as soon as possible.
• If you have swelling anywhere on your face (mouth, eyes, etc.), seek medical attention.