Reduce Swelling
How To Reduce Swelling
For a wide variety of reasons, you may need a solution to reduce swelling from time to time. When skin, organs or other body parts become enlarged, swelling is resulted. This is due to excessive buildup of fluid in the soft tissues. There are many conditions that cause swelling such as:
Sprains
Fractures
Surgery
Pregnancy
It is important to note that there are also various medical conditions that invoke swelling or lumps such as swollen lymph nodes, cyst growth, cancer and tumors. If you have swelling in a peculiar area for an unknown reason, it is important to seek medical attention.
Swelling is also common if your body is not properly circulating fluid. This often appears in the ankle area. When generalized soreness appears due to fluid retention, it is a sign of edema. These symptoms are commonly due to:
Pregnancy
Premenstrual symptoms
Thyroid problems
Liver failure
TREATMENTS TO REDUCE SWELLING
Hot And Cold Treatments
The most common reason that people need to reduce swelling is due to injury or inflammation in the tissues or muscles. These types of strains and sprains often occur in those that participate in sports. The first step to subdue the swelling is by using a cold compress applied to the injury as soon as possible. You never want ice to directly touch your skin when applying these compresses.
Heat therapy is also used to reduce swelling, but it is recommended mostly for chronic types of pain such as those related with pregnancy, cramps or arthritis.
While ice contracts the injured tissues to reduce immediate bruises, heat enables better blood circulation. Both heat therapy and cold compresses should be used in moderation if the individual has high blood pressure.
Wraps
Another effective way to reduce swelling is through the application of wraps. They come in various sizes to cater to different body parts and are available at drugstores and pharmacies. Commercial wraps are created to contour to the body so that secure support is provided.
Medication
One of the quickest and easiest remedies is to take ibuprofen or something that is designed to relieve both pain and swelling. They effectively minimize pain and inflammation; however, these should not be taken for extended periods of time as they can irritate your stomach and cause bleeding ulcers.
Apple Cider Vinegar
There is a lot to be said about this natural cure. Drinking apple cider vinegar heals your ailments from the inside out or you can make a cool compress with it.
Additionally, it is extremely beneficial by simply applying some with a cotton ball or a spray bottle and rubbing it into the swollen area. Experts recommend that you use the natural kind with “mother”, which means that it has not gone through the distilled process as it contains the most nutrients and healing properties.
How To Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy
Nearly every mother-to-be finds herself in need of a way to reduce swelling at some point in her term. Swelling is normal and expected since 25 percent of gained weight is usually due to an increase of bodily fluids. During pregnancy, your body produces more fluids and blood to not only surround the baby but to also soften and prepare your joints for childbirth.
To reduce swelling during pregnancy, it is helpful to cut down on salt and avoid junk food that causes you to retain water. It is important to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day and rest your legs and feet when you get the chance by propping them up on top of pillows.
If you have problems with swelling, caffeine may be to blame since it is a dehydrating beverage.