Mild to moderate swelling is a very common medical condition. It can be a consequence of hundreds of diseases that affect people around the world. There are various home remedies available to reduce localized swelling. Home remedies include ice, rest, aloe vera, and elevation.
Swelling can be associated with dehydration as well. Drinking plenty of fluids helps in reducing this kind of swelling. Generalized swelling during the summertime can be reduced by taking a cool shower as soon as you return home. Let us try to understand more about home remedy to reduce swelling.
Effective Home Remedies To Reduce Swelling
Rest
Our body has an amazing defense mechanism against swelling. It can naturally cure itself if external factors that cause swelling are taken care of. If your swelling is a consequence of repetitive stress injury, you can rest the affected area for 2 to 3 days.
The swelling abates on its own. Rest is very effective in treating swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis. Taking frequent breaks during work time also helps in providing intermittent relief to the swollen area.
Ice
Applying ice to the affected region helps in reducing swelling. Ice can significantly reduce swelling, pain, and discomfort associated with injuries. “Do not apply ice on broken skin or open wounds.” Elevating affected region of the body, while using ice, will help in abating intensity of swelling.
Ice plays an important role in constricting blood vessels. This helps in curing swelling post injury. You can purchase an ice pack to use ice therapy effectively. However, during emergencies, you can use ice from your refrigerator in a plastic bag to treat swelling.
Mild Exercises
Swelling associated with arthritis reduces in intensity with mild range of motion exercises. Sitting in one position for long durations of time can worsen swelling due to gravity. Stretching exercises help greatly with swelling caused by repetitive stress injuries. It helps in increasing blood flow by stretching muscles.
This is highly effective with carpal tunnel syndrome. Stop exercising if it worsens pain. Swimming and walking for short distances helps patients suffering from edema. They also help in reducing weight which can worsen swelling of the lower extremities caused by this medical condition.
Over The Counter Medications
There are a lot of over-the-counter (OTC) medications which can help in reducing swelling, pain, and associated discomfort. The most common type of medications used includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, medically known as NSAIDs. Ibuprofen is the most common NSAID used around the world.
Other such medications include naproxen and aspirin. These medications help in reducing inflammation and swelling effectively. For swelling associated with tendinitis, you can use topical anti-inflammatory creams or gels. Hydrocortisone creams are good for swelling caused by dermatological conditions.
Aloe Vera
This medicinal plant has been used for centuries for different types of medical conditions. It has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera helps in reducing redness and mild swelling caused by sunburn. Simply cut an aloe vera leaf into half and apply gel on the affected area. Repeat it two times a day for maximum results.
Aloe vera also works great to reduce discomfort and swelling associated with skin conditions. Minor swelling caused by mosquito bites and allergic reactions can be cured with aloe vera.
Consultation
Swelling can be mild, moderate, and severe in nature. Mild to moderate swelling can be treated with the above-mentioned home remedies. Severe swelling may require a consultation with your physician.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.