Having swollen feet is never very pleasant… Whether it is a circulatory weakness or a too sedentary lifestyle, discover 7 tips to relieve swollen feet and especially the reasons!
Why do we have swollen feet?
Do you regularly have swollen feet without really understanding why? It is often a small problem with blood circulation or water retention. Swollen feet mainly concern people who are sedentary or who trample all day as is often the case for people who work in commerce, in restaurants or in the hospital environment. If you notice that the swelling occurs only on one side, and it also rises on the calf in the form of edema, this may be a symptom of phlebitis.
This blood clot that forms in a vein, also called venous thrombosis, is often triggered following a prolonged period of immobilization such as after a long car or plane trip or bed rest. In this case, we advise you to talk to your doctor to perform a Doppler and treat phlebitis. If you have both feet that swell, especially at the end of the day, know that there are many tips to relieve you …
Tip 1: Try the Scottish shower
The first of the 7 tips to relieve swollen feet is cold. It stimulates blood circulation. That’s why a jet of cold water on your legs and feet at the end of your daily shower can reactivate blood circulation in the lower limbs and help relieve your swollen feet. If you have the courage to take a cold shower every day, it’s even better, otherwise just finish your shower with a jet of cold water with good pressure, on your legs and feet. The alternation cold water / hot water is also very effective, to do this, pass your legs under a jet of cold water for 1 minute then under a jet of hot water for 2 to 3 minutes, and repeat for about twenty minutes.
Tip n°2: Practice regular physical activity
Whether you spend your days sitting at the desk or stomping in the store, walking can help relieve your swollen feet. Consider walking to work at a good pace, going for a walk every night with your pet, or spending your lunch break walking around your neighborhood instead of sitting in the break room. Walking has the effect of stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation, often causing swollen feet whether due to poor blood circulation or water retention. Choose Zen sports to make you move smoothly.
Tip 3: Wear compression stockings or socks
If compression stockings and socks often refer us to a glamorous grandmother’s trick, the choice in this area has evolved in recent years! Discreet black tights, fancy socks or flesh-colored stockings… No more unsightly whitish granny stockings. Widely used by members of the medical profession who trample all day, compression stockings and socks are a particularly effective solution to relieve swollen feet. They should preferably be put on in the morning, keeping your legs in the air. If you have a long plane or car trip planned, think about it!
Tip 4: Practice dry brushing
Increasingly popular, dry brushing has many benefits. First of all, it will stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, often at the origin of swollen feet. Using a soft brush, just before your daily shower, make large circular movements from the lower leg to the heart. Pass several times in the same place to stimulate the circulation of lymph and blood in your lower limbs.
Tip n°5: Make a foot bath with apple cider vinegar
Particularly rich in potassium, apple cider vinegar cures many ailments. It helps relieve swollen feet, but also ankles and legs. According to some studies, a lack of potassium could result in swelling of the lower extremities. Indeed, this essential mineral has the ability to regulate the amount of water present in our cells and therefore, to limit the phenomenon of water retention, which can make your feet and legs swell. In a basin, mix cold water and apple cider vinegar in equal amounts and let your feet hang down.at least 30 minutes.
Tip 6: Play with a tennis ball
If you have a sedentary job and spend long hours sitting, don’t hesitate to pack one or two tennis balls to slip into a drawer in your desk. When you feel your legs getting heavier or your feet swelling, remove your shoes and use the ball to massage the underside of your feet by rolling it on the floor. This method has the advantage of being easy to practice in the office, without affecting your productivity. The contact of the ball with your sole of your foot will stimulate your lymphatic and blood circulation.
Tip n°7: Apply peppermint essential oil
Peppermint has a toning and refreshing power that can work wonders to boost and stimulate blood circulation. Consider mixing a few drops of peppermint essential oil with your body moisturizing cream or milk before massaging your feet and legs. You will feel an instant lightness and this will help you relieve your swollen feet.
