Swelling and discomfort in the feet are common symptoms for those living with diabetes. Whether you’re maintaining an active lifestyle or spending your time at home, these conditions can leave you struggling to participate in day-to-day activities. You may even feel as though you need to go to the doctor to find a solution—no matter how temporary. Fortunately, there are several things you can do on your own to help find relief and get back to doing what you love most. Here are some home remedies for swollen feet you must to try.
One of the first things you can do to reduce swelling is to increase your water intake. It might seem strange, but swelling tends to worsen when we’re dehydrated. This is because your system is working to hold onto whatever fluids it can. But by staying well-hydrated, your system can let some of that swelling drain, providing your feet with some much-needed relief. The recommended daily water intake for adults is about eight glasses, but you may want to consider increasing that to nine or ten to aid with swelling.
Elevating your feet can help alleviate some of that uncomfortable swelling. Gravity can increase the pressure on your legs and feet. If you’re prone to swelling, that pressure can often worsen your symptoms. By propping your legs up on some pillows or blankets, you can reduce that pressure, promote better circulation, and manage your discomfort. Make sure that you raise your feet at an angle higher than your heart for the best results.
Getting active can make a big difference in your symptoms. Exercise facilitates better circulation, which, much like elevating your feet, can decrease the amount of pressure in swollen areas. While it might seem uncomfortable at first, healthy movement is a great step in not only alleviating your symptoms but also staving off future swelling.
Another effective home remedy for swollen feet you need to try is a foot massage. Massaging swollen tissues can improve circulation and provide a bit of relief from discomfort. Taking some time to loosen those tissues daily can bring considerable improvement to swollen feet.
Among the most impactful methods for decreasing foot swelling is wearing specialized compression shoes and socks. Designed to press in on the swollen area, compression socks encourage blood flow to reduce swelling. Diabetic shoes work in much the same way, providing extra support to keep you active and promote better circulation.
At Anodyne, we believe that you should be able to find relief from your diabetic symptoms wherever you are. Along with specially designed shoes for on the go, we also provide custom women’s orthopedic slippers so that you can maintain your comfort at home. Contact us today to learn more about our custom products and how they can ease your discomfort.