Swollen feet and legs are caused by a variety of reasons like water retention, varicose veins or trauma. To know more about this condition read on... The medical term for swollen feet and legs is edema. It's effect is most pronounced in the ankles, lower body and the feet. But it can also affect the thighs. Generally, legs and feet get swollen up when there is retention of fluid by the body.

Causes for Swollen Feet and Legs

Some of the causes of swollen feet and legs are as follows:

• Standing for prolonged period of time
• Being obese
• Consuming a diet high in salt
• Pre Menstrual Stress
• Excessive intake of diuretic
• Sitting in the same position for a long time like in long flights or automobile rides.
• Any kind of injury or trauma to the foot or legs
• Pregnancy
• Varicose veins
• Undergoing hormone replacement therapy
• Regular use of birth control pills

Certain medications like antidepressants and steroids can also cause swollen feet and legs. If you are suffering from high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases you are more prone to water retention which causes swelling of feet and legs. Swollen feet and legs are also caused due to reduced blood circulation.

Treatment and Prevention for Swollen Feet and Legs

If you are suffering from swollen feet you should keep some points in mind. While sleeping, keep your legs at a higher level than your chest. You can do this by tucking in a pillow under your legs. If your job entails sitting at a place for a long period of time, then try to walk around every two to three hours to stretch your legs. You can also do some exercises sitting at your desk to keep the blood circulating through your legs. Try to curb the temptation of reaching for that packet of chips and tacos when you have hunger pangs. Fast foods contain high levels of salt which will lead to fluid retention and cause swelling. If you are overweight, try losing some weight. Wear footwear that fits properly so that it does not cause any undue pressure on your legs and feet.

The best way to get relief from swollen feet and legs is to immerse your legs in a bucket of cold water. You can also add a few drops of essential oil like chamomile or patchouli to revitalize your legs. Another good way to reduce swelling and improve circulation is to massage your feet and legs with a mixture of any vegetable oil with a few drops of peppermint oil. If your swelling is accompanied by aches and pain then it is a good idea to massage your legs and feet with ginger essential oil. Read more on how to reduce swelling in feet.

Homemade Remedies for Swollen Feet and Legs

If you want to know how to treat swollen feet why not try a homemade foot mask. It not only provides relief to tired aching feet, but also softens and moisturizes your skin. Given below is a foot mask recipe to reduce swelling and also to remove dead skin and get rid of calluses.

Things You will Need

• 5 tablespoon of papaya puree
• 2 tablespoon oatmeal
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoon green tea
• ?tablespoon jojoba oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• ?inch ginger

Directions

In a medium sized bowl, mix together the papaya puree, honey and oatmeal. Crush the ginger and extract its juice. Add this extracted ginger juice, jojoba oil and lavender essential oil into the papaya mixture. Boil some water in a kettle and add the green tea into it. Strain the green tea and add 2 to 3 tablespoon of it into the papaya puree and stir it until everything is properly mixed.

Apply this mixture on your feet and rub in a gentle but firm, circular motion and leave the mask on for half an hour. When the mask has dried a little wash it off with lukewarm water. The papaya contains enzymes which help in removing dead skin and lavender essential oil and ginger helps in reducing aches and pains. Honey and jojoba oil moisturizes the skin and oatmeal acts like a scrub for your feet. Read more on

• Swollen Feet Causes
• Causes of Swollen Legs and Ankles
• Feet Swelling During Pregnancy

Feet are the most used part of the body they also have to bear our body weight for long periods of time. If you are suffering from swollen feet and legs then it would be helpful if you reduce the intake of salt in your diet and exercise regularly. Take proper care of your feet and you will be free from all aches and pains.