If you are suffering from swelling, cankles, edema, whatever you call it, Preggers has rounded up 10 natural remedies for swollen feet and ankles. Naturally, Preggers maternity compression products are included 🙂 Before you try anything on this list be sure to check with your doctor.
10 Natural Remedies for Swollen Feet and Ankles*
Nutrition
- Magnesium deficiency can contribute to swelling and taking a supplement could give some relief. Discuss with your doctor before taking any supplements – you might be getting enough in your prenatal vitamin and diet.
- Pounding water and cutting out salt can help ease swelling by minimizing/diluting the salt in your body. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day to flush things out – I know, this means even MORE trips to the bathroom. In the end, it could be worth it! Not a huge plain-ole-water fan? Try adding a splash of flavor like cucumber-lemon to your water. Cucumber and lemons both have anti-inflammatory properties, giving your water a 1-2 punch to swelling.
Soak em’
- Soaking your feet in room temperature or cold tonic water has been known to help with swelling too. You can use this time to write in a pregnancy journal, catch up on your DVR or read a book.
- If you are into warm baths, a soak in the tub with a few drops of grapefruit essential oil may help reduce swelling. If baths aren’t your thing and you can get your SO (significant other) to comply, you can also mix a few drops of grapefruit oil with olive or sweet almond oil and have them give you a little foot and leg massage. As they rub your feet, ankles, and calves, focus your pressure upward, rather than downward or in a circular motion to promote circulation.
- Epsom salts do wonders for swelling. Adding a healthy dose to the tub or soaking bucket is another way to boost that bath.
Get your Blood Pumpin’
- Get some use out of that maternity swimsuit and head to the pool! The pressure from the water can help get things moving in your legs and floating gives your circulatory system a break from gravity’s constant pull.
- Ohm……Yoga is a great circulatory re-charger. Of course, you’ll want to talk to your doctor before staring up with yoga, especially if you haven’t been doing it before. I highly recommend taking a prenatal yoga class if you are a newbie. They’ll be able to show you poses that accommodate for your beautiful bump.
- If you can’t get your SO to give you a massage, get them to buy you a prenatal one! Tell the masseuse what you need so they can focus on increasing the circulation in the legs and ankles.
- Gravity is partially to blame when it comes to edema, so sit back belly up, feet up and elevate your feet every chance you get! Ideally, you want your feet above your heart. If you work a day job, try to find a way to prop your feet up under your desk. Even elevating a bit can make a big difference in your swelling as the day goes on.
- Last, but certainly not least – grab some compression stockings! You can opt for knee high or full length options where the gradient compression is tightest the ankle and gradually decreases the pressure up the leg. Preggers by Therafirm offers several styles and fashionable colors with gradient compression sure to make you look good AND feel good.
Share your natural tips on how you’ve reduced swelling during pregnancy below!
Preggers Footless Tights (10-15 mmHg)
*This is only general information and is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Always consult your physician or other health care provider about all health concerns, conditions, and recommended treatments.
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