Discomfort and swelling (or edema) in your feet and legs can happen for different reasons — some benign and some serious. For many people, persistent or recurrent symptoms are associated with circulation problems — such as chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins — that allow fluids to build up in the lower limbs.
The good news is that treatments are available to relieve uncomfortable symptoms while improving your circulation at the same time. In fact, Inam Haq, MD, FACS, and Sushilkumar Samant, MD, FACS, have extensive experience in both diagnosing and managing leg swelling and pain.
This month, the team at Laser & Varicose Vein Treatment Center offers five simple tips to help you enjoy the season while managing swelling and pain more effectively.
The holidays are definitely busy, and it’s all too easy to skip regular exercise and to spend all of your free time relaxing and recovering from the holiday hubbub. But if you have swelling and discomfort in your legs and feet, exercise plays an important role in reducing those symptoms.
Try to schedule short walks throughout your day to promote good circulation and regular fluid drainage. During long periods of travel (or even sitting at your desk for hours on end), take small breaks to stand up, walk around, and do some simple stretching exercises. These small actions can make a surprisingly big difference in reducing swelling and discomfort.
Who doesn't like to kick back and put their feet up after a particularly long day? If you’re prone to leg swelling and pain, taking time to elevate your feet and lower legs becomes especially important.
Raising your legs helps excess fluids drain away while improving your overall circulation. Take advantage of downtime by propping your feet on a pillow or reclining in a chair. Put a footstool under your desk, and take frequent breaks when possible to elevate your legs even for brief periods.
Salt — or, more specifically, sodium — has important roles in your body. As an electrolyte, sodium supports the electrical activity that in turn supports normal organ and tissue function. It also helps balance fluids inside your body.
If you have too much sodium, though, you can retain extra fluid that winds up causing puffiness, usually in your legs and feet. Because lots of foods can contain sodium, it’s important to read food labels and enjoy your holiday favorites in moderation, especially foods high in salt like ham, sauces, and dips.
Swelling happens when fluids build up in your tissues, so drinking more water to relieve swelling and pain may seem counterintuitive at first. But even mild dehydration encourages your body to hold onto fluid, worsening swelling and discomfort.
Ideally, stay hydrated throughout the day, making an extra effort if you’re traveling or spending a lot of time on your feet. Skip caffeinated drinks and alcohol that can wind up making dehydration worse.
Compression stockings provide gentle pressure that improves blood flow in your legs. Continual, gentle support reduces swelling and eases the heaviness or aching that often comes with long days on your feet.
You can wear compression socks or stockings at any time, but they can be especially helpful during travel when you’re sitting for long periods. Compression socks come in varying levels of pressure, so ask our team to recommend the right amount of pressure for your vascular health needs.
While holiday-related swelling is often temporary, ongoing pain or significant swelling may be a sign of an underlying vein issue. Without prompt medical attention, these issues can become worse, causing more severe symptoms and leading to serious complications.
If your symptoms are frequent, severe, or interfere with daily activities, it’s time to schedule an evaluation with the team at Laser & Varicose Vein Treatment Center. To find out how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone in Staten Island’s Midland Beach or Borough Park, Brooklyn, New York.
