What will relieve swelling

The doctor will likely perform a visual examination of the area in which swelling is occurring. In addition to a visual examination, the doctor will likely order tests to determine what is causing the swelling. Some tests they may order include:. More advanced imaging tests can show a doctor if there are inflamed tissues or organs, blood blockages, or breaks in the bones or joints.

The best treatment for swelling will depend on the cause. If a person has an underlying health condition, such as kidney disease , they will need to receive treatment for the underlying condition. Treating or controlling any underlying conditions can help reduce swelling. A person can also try lying on a bed with their feet elevated and wearing compression stockings. Swelling due to injury, such as a sprained ankle, requires rest.

A person can also reduce swelling by applying ice to the area and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. To prevent whole-body swelling, the NCI recommend:. For example, a person can experience swelling in their feet or legs from standing for too long.

Pregnant women may also experience regular swelling of their feet and ankles. In these cases, a person likely does not need to see a doctor. However, if the swelling is unexplained, does not get better with treatment, or lasts for a long time, a person should talk to a doctor. They can examine the swelling and help determine what is causing it.

A person should see a doctor if they sustain an injury while playing a sport, exercising, or doing other activities. The doctor can help determine the extent of the injury and provide treatment support. If other symptoms — such as difficulty breathing, weight gain, or tiredness — accompany the swelling, a person should talk to a doctor as soon as possible.

These could indicate an underlying condition that may be causing the swelling. People living with an underlying health condition, such as heart disease or kidney disease, should also talk to their doctor if they experience any new swelling. Swelling is a common condition. Call to make an appointment with one of our board certified providers. Home Health Library : Swelling and inflammation.

Options for treating swollen and inflamed joints Swelling and inflammation treatment is much the same no matter the cause. Rest the joint from activities that aggravate symptoms. Apply ice packs several times a day for minute intervals. Instead of putting the ice directly on your skin, wrap a thin towel around the ice pack to protect your skin.

Use a compression bandage around the joint. Elevate the joint higher than your heart while you rest it. Corticosteroid injections If other treatments fail to relieve joint inflammation, we may recommend a corticosteroid, or cortisone, injection. If the lymph vessels are damaged or absent, lymphatic fluid can build up and lead to infection, slow wound healing, and even deformity. People who undergo radiation therapy or lymph node removal have a higher risk of lymphedema.

Anyone who has undergone cancer treatment and experiences swelling should contact their doctor immediately. Treatment options for lymphedema include exercises and targeted massage, which can both help drain the excess fluid. Wearing bandages or compression garments may also be beneficial.

Swelling of the feet could be a sign of heart disease or heart failure. If the heart is damaged, it cannot pump blood to the heart efficiently. Right-sided heart failure can cause the body to retain salt and water, resulting in swollen feet. Treatment options for heart failure include medications, medical devices to help support the heart, and surgery. People with poorly functioning kidneys may not be able to flush out fluid, which can build up in the body. Kidney disease may not present any symptoms until it is severe and the kidneys are beginning to fail.

Signs and symptoms of kidney failure include:. Treatment options for kidney disease include medication, a low-protein diet, and supplements of vitamin D and calcium. Liver disease can inhibit the production of albumin.

Albumin is a protein that helps stop the blood leaking from blood vessels. A lack of albumin means that the blood may leak, causing fluid to pool in the legs and feet, which can result in swelling. To treat liver disease, a doctor may prescribe medication. They may also suggest making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or reducing alcohol intake.

Many cases of swollen feet tend to resolve without medical care, although home remedies and lifestyle changes can help reduce the swelling. If the swelling does not go away or it occurs repeatedly, it is essential to make an appointment with a doctor to determine whether there is an underlying cause. If swollen feet occur alongside shortness of breath, chest pain, or pressure in the chest, call the emergency services immediately. Read this article in Spanish. Toe cramps can have a variety of causes.

Learn more about the causes of toe cramps and how to treat them here. This article takes a look at some foot exercises for strength, flexibility, and pain relief. It also covers safety tips to prevent discomfort.

People can prevent ingrown toenails by cutting the nails properly. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. This article…. This article looks at the structure of the foot — including bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons — and some of the common conditions that affect it. The location of pain in the foot can help doctors determine the underlying cause. Depending on the cause, foot pain may or may not require medical….

Why are my feet swollen? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Share on Pinterest Edema refers to swelling that results from trapped fluid. Foot or ankle injury.