A painful or swollen leg is one of the most uncomfortable feelings you can experience. Not only do you have to deal with the often-accompanying pain, but a swollen leg can keep you from doing even the most basic of tasks.
Walking, taking a shower, and exercising are but a few examples of daily tasks that prove difficult with a swollen leg. Unfortunately, this condition is common in many vascular diseases and associated complications.
If you are dealing with a swollen leg, you should seek professional medical services. A vascular expert will not only help you ease the swelling, they will also help you understand the root cause.
Additional to seeking professional remedial services, there are several easy yet effective exercises for dealing with leg swelling. These routine exercises can be done in a few minutes and from the comfort of your space.
Walking in place
This is arguably one of the simplest exercises you can do to ease leg pain and swelling. All you need to do is find a space you can walk in and a sturdy surface to hold onto.
At first, walking in place may feel a little difficult, especially if you are in pain. However, a few minutes of this exercise will help reduce the swelling. You can start off with low intervals and work up your endurance over time.
Cycling
Cycling is one of the most underrated yet effective exercises. The high efficacy is the result of the entire body’s involvement. While you are just using the legs, this simple workout engages multiple muscles and body parts.
It doesn’t matter whether you are cycling on a stationary bike or out in nature. The important factor is your get to improve circulation and blood flow. As with most of the other exercises, you can start small and increase the duration as you get used to cycling.
Elevating your legs
Blood pooling can lead to leg pain and swelling. If the blood can overcome gravitational pull, it is unable to move up the leg and back to the heart and lungs. The result of this is pain and other serious effects if the situation is not properly remedied.
Elevating your legs is an effective way to counter the effect of blood pooling in your legs. Simply lie on back and lift your legs. If holding the stance proves difficult, you can use a support, like a pillow beneath the legs.
Swimming
Swimming and other water exercises are greatly encouraged for people dealing with leg swelling. Not only does the exercise get you off your feet, it also targets multiple muscles and body parts.
Regular swimming sessions will reduce the swelling and discomfort in your feet. It is, however, important to ensure you don’t overexert yourself and undo the progress.
Washington Vascular Specialists has been helping our clients alleviate and eliminate leg swelling for over two decades now. We first seek to understand why the swelling is occurring then create a treatment path.
Your life doesn’t have to stop because of leg swelling, consult our vascular specialist today and get back to your healthy self free of chronic leg pain and swelling.
