Edema or swollen feet and ankles can be caused by several health conditions ranging from mild inflammation to something as grave as high blood pressure. Often, pregnancy also seems as one of the top contributors of edema. Usually, this condition springs up when the body has issues regulating blood and fluids back up to the legs. Since gravity pushes all the fluids down to the feet and ankles, the concentrated fluid causes swelling, inflammation, and puffiness.

While edema on its own may not be a major issue, it could be a strong alarm or marker of a potential problem in the body that may worsen if not promptly attended to.

Swollen feet even when it is harmless is capable of causing a lot of discomforts. It is, therefore, recommended that one of the best remedies for swollen feet is to treat the cause of the symptom before tackling the symptom alone. A thorough examination of the body can help doctors diagnose the real cause of the swelling. If the swelling is stemming out of pregnancy or a minor health issue, you may adopt one of the several home remedies can help ease the discomfort and pain. Listed below are some remedies for swollen feet that you can use to relieve inflammation.

Get enough magnesium
Often, swollen ankles or edema can stem out of an ongoing magnesium deficiency in the body. Often women who are pregnant are recommended to take a magnesium supplement to fulfill the need of this essential nutrient in the body. While most magnesium supplements indicate the recommended dosage on the pack, it is advisable you consult a doctor before incorporating magnesium into your diet.

Exercise
Often lack of activity may cause your feet to swell, it is, therefore, recommended that you include an exercise regime in your routine. Yoga is a great option to improve circulation and cure several inherent problems of the body. Before starting yoga, it is, however, recommended that you consult your doctor for any precautions. Those new to yoga could consider enrolling in a yoga class or getting a yoga instructor to help them perfect their posture and form. Several postures in yoga if done right, may even help you treat leg pain and inflammation.

Soaking therapy
Soaking tired feet of lukewarm water has been one of the most common types of remedies for swollen feet. You may also consider soaking your swollen feet in the tonic water. However strange it may sound; the quinine and bubbles in the tonic water may help reduce inflammation. Apart from tonic water, soaking your feet in either Epsom salt or grapefruit oil also helps keep the inflammation and discomfort at bay. If you do not wish to soak your feet in a tub of Epsom salt solution, you may try taking saltwater baths to keep your muscles relaxed.

Massage therapy
Treating yourself to a rejuvenating massage session is one of the best remedies for swollen feet. A trained massage therapist can help relieve inflammation from your extremities like no one else. A relaxing massage session can surely manipulate the pressure in your feet and help your swelling to reduce. Even if you are pregnant, going for a massage session to a nearby prenatal massage therapist can help you relax and alleviate stress, swelling, and pressure from your feet.

Swimming
If you have been a part of a swim class, you may want to resume swimming to cure Edema. If you do not know how to swim, try floating. Both swimming and floating help treat swollen feet and ankle rather well and act one of the best remedies for swollen feet. Swimming puts pressure on your body and your body’s increased movement in the water can prove to be a break from gravity’s pull and help release the pressure on your feet.

Increase your water intake
One of the biggest culprits behind swelling of the feet and ankle can be an increase in your uric acid levels. Excess of salt may also cause your feet to swell, it is, therefore, important that you drink up enough water and fluids to dilute the salt from your body. Drinking at least 10-12 glasses of water a day can help you flush out all the toxins from your system. If drinking plain water doesn’t appeal to you, you could add a twist of lemon in your water. Similarly, cucumber diffusion in water can help you stay hydrated. Both lemon and cucumber have anti-inflammatory properties that can help you get instant relief. Upping your water intake, therefore, proves to be one of the most beneficial remedies for swollen feet.

Try using grapefruit essential oil
Using essential oils while bathing is one of the most common remedies for swollen feet. A few drops of grapefruit essential oil can help you relieve stress from your swollen feet leaves you feeling rejuvenated. Apart from taking a bath with essential oil, you may also consider massaging your legs with either grapefruit, olive or almond oil to soothe your sense and alleviate pain and inflammation. While massaging consider putting upward pressure on your legs, calves, ankles, and feet to facilitate circulation in the upward direction and reduce inflammation.