Tips for promoting ankle drainage
Swelling and water retention: causes and effective remedies
An accumulation of fluid in the spaces between cells outside of the blood vessels causes swelling and an unpleasant sensation of tightness. If extensive, this phenomenon can also cause difficulty in movement. This situation is a fairly common side effect, especially among people undergoing cortisone-based pharmacological treatment or hormonal therapies.
Swelling tends to affect the legs, specifically ankles and feet, but the face and hands can also suffer the consequences and, at times, even the whole body. Starting to treat swelling in the lower limbs as soon as possible is fundamental to mitigate discomfort and improve the ability to perform daily activities.
Strategies and Movement
Simple practices to do while lying down: bend your legs toward your abdomen alternately, move them in a "bicycle" motion, and rotate your ankles for a few minutes.
It may be essential to undergo a few massage sessions periodically. Performed by a professional, it guarantees evident benefits for drainage.
Wearing graduated compression stockings from morning until night makes recovery easier and prevents the edema from worsening, facilitating the return of blood to the heart.
Sleeping with a pillow under your feet so that your ankles are higher than your heart is a simple practice that facilitates venous return at night.
Diet and Hydration
Last but not least, it is essential to take care of your diet by focusing on seasonal fruits and vegetables, which are generally rich in vitamins. Drinking at least one liter of water per day between meals is a healthy habit that helps drain fluids.
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Fennel
- Asparagus
- Tomatoes