You get home after a long day, kick off your shoes, and there you are… with swollen, aching, and almost unrecognizable feet. Whether it’s from standing too long, being exposed to heat, or consuming too much salt, swollen feet are common, but not irreversible. Before you start worrying, you should know that there are simple and effective measures you can take to quickly relieve this discomfort.
Why do our feet swell?
Foot swelling can occur for several reasons:
Heat, which dilates blood vessels;
poor venous circulation;
excess salt in the diet;
pregnancy or taking certain medications;
dehydration; or lack of physical activity
. Swelling is usually mild. However, it can also be a symptom of circulatory or kidney disorders, so it’s important to monitor for accompanying symptoms.
Natural and inexpensive ways to relieve swollen feet:
cold for fast relief
Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your feet and holding it there for 15 to 20 minutes can help reduce inflammation and relieve the feeling of heaviness. It’s the perfect solution after a day of intense heat or standing for long periods.
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