9 Tips to Reduce Swelling in Your Feet

Summary: Have you ever looked down and noticed your feet and ankles look like puffy balloons? This is called edema, and it happens when extra fluid gets trapped in your body's tissues. It can happen from simple things like standing all day, going for a long run, eating too much salty food, or being pregnant.

Luckily, you can usually treat it at home! Try putting your feet up above your heart to help blood flow back to your center. You can also wear compression socks, soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts, or use an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes. Drinking plenty of water (about 11.5 cups a day for women and 15.5 for men) and cutting back on salty foods like canned soup and deli meats will also keep the swelling down.

However, swollen feet can sometimes be a warning sign of a much bigger problem. It can be caused by heart failure, kidney disease, or a dangerous blood clot called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). If your swelling is only in one leg, or if you also have chest pain, a fever, or trouble breathing, you need to see a doctor or call 911 right away.

For more details, see Verywell Health at verywellhealth.com/reduce-swollen-ankles-5214716 (opens in new tab)