Swelling is the change in the shape or the size of an area of our body. It is caused by abnormal movement, abnormal tissue position, tissue growth, or collection of the body fluid.
Many people experience swelling at some times. When it is hot, and you sit or stand in the same position for a long time, you might feel some swelling in your ankles and feet. Staying in the same position for longer can increase the risk of swelling in feet, hands, or legs because of the movement of body fluid in the downward direction due to gravity.
Swelling can also be caused by heat-related issues, like heat edema, or from being active or working in a hot environment.
Body fluid can move in numerous tissue spaces present in the body or can also affect the whole body. The main causes of swelling include:
- Injury to any specific body part. Tear in any blood vessel under the skin can cause bruising. Bleeding can harm the joint or the area that lubricates and cushions the joint. Due to this, swelling can affect only one area or might involve larger body parts.
- Infections can develop under the skin or in a joint. A pocket of pus known as an abscess can be formed at the site of the infected tissue. Cellulitis is a skin infection that can produce severe or mild swelling.
- Burns can be another reason for swelling. Swelling can occur just at the site of burn or may take the larger area around the burn.
- Inflammation can occur when the tissue gets irritated because of repetitive motions or overuse.
- Tendon swelling caused by the small tears around the tendon.
- Swelling of the sac that lubricates and cushions the joints can be because of repeated pressure or by activities that require rapid joint movements.
- Insect stings and bites can also cause swelling.
- Some people have hypersensitive reactions to insect bites and can get a lot of swelling.
How can you get rid of the swelling?
To cure swelling, we have methods that are effective and come together.
Apply ice.
The coldness of ice can help reduce swelling or inflammation so that you can wrap the ice in a clean, thin cloth. From then, apply a compress on the affected area. This cold therapy helps in reducing the blood flow and decreases the swelling.
Reduce salty eating.
For anyone who likes to eat salty foods should reduce the amount of salinity as much as possible. Because sodium in food causes the body to become dehydrated and causes swelling. Suggest that eating medium-flavored foods until full recovery.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Alcohol is considered an important cause of dehydration and promotes swelling. If you have swelling over any part of your body, avoid alcohol consumption. Otherwise, it might accelerate your swelling instead of letting it down.
Drink enough water.
Our body is 70% water. But the body is unable to produce water itself. We should drink enough water each day. By drinking at least 8-10 glasses a day, drinking enough water can help reduce swelling.
Rest.
Following an injury, it is necessary to rest appropriately. Some people try to push through the injury. It only brings more swelling. So, it is essential to take enough rest, to bring the swelling to a normal amount.
Most of the time, swelling is really minor and goes away on its own. You may not even get to know what the cause of swelling was. Home treatments work best in treating mild symptoms.