Chronic refers to swelling that occurs over a long period of time and can be difficult for an athlete to detect, but is very harmful if left untreated. The body always responds to an injury with a predictable inflammatory response, as the first step towards healing.
Redness, heat, swelling and pain are associated with this first stage. Redness and heat are caused by increased blood flow.
Swelling is the result of the increased movement of fluid and white blood cells into the injured area. The release of chemicals and the compression of nerves in the area of injury cause pain. The pain and swelling can keep the athlete from using the injured part, serving to protect it from further injury. However, often times, the body's response is excessive. Chronic swelling leads to tissues becoming more rigid and less pliable than their healthy counterpart.
Less pliable tissues are more susceptible to further injury. If your swelling is chronic, or lasts longer than weeks, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to recommend medication, exercise or therapy to resolve the swelling.
Elevating the feet above the level of the heart is the best to do this. Obviously you cannot stay in this position all the time, but 20 minutes at a time can help if your feet are swollen. Elevating your feet will help swelling. Compression stockings may also help to encourage excessive fluid to move way from the injured or swollen area.
Click to Learn about Knee Swelling. The quick answer to how to reduce swelling is the RICE method outlined below. Although this seems like common sense, many people try to push through the injury and get back to normal activity too quickly.
Using the injured body part right after an initial injury only brings excess swelling to what has already begun to form and does not help reduce swelling. Continuing activities as normal with no rest brings more swelling to the area because the stresses you are putting on the injury causes the body to produce more fluid to heal the damaged tissues.
Taking a few days rest will help keep the swelling to a normal amount and the reduction of swelling will be faster in the long run. Cold therapy always helps reduce pain and swelling. It reduces the blood flow to the area, reduces swelling, and keeps it to a normal level until healed. Some causes, such as a twisted or sprained ankle, are obvious. Others might be…. Edema, or water retention, occurs when fluid builds up in the tissues of the body.
Learn about edema here. Some causes of swollen legs and ankles are relatively harmless, while others can be more serious. Discover the different causes and their associated…. Some causes of swollen hands include pregnancy, exercise, and fluid retention. Treatment depends on the underlying issue. Learn more about possible…. What causes swelling, and is it serious? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Causes and symptoms Tests Treatment Prevention Seeing a doctor Outlook Summary Swelling occurs when a part of the body increases in size, typically as a result of injury, inflammation, or fluid retention.
Causes and symptoms. Share on Pinterest Sometimes, inflammation from an injury can lead to swelling. When to see a doctor. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? A hug sometimes seems like it can make everything better — and that sentiment applies to swollen feet and ankles, too.
Compression socks offer a gentle squeeze to your legs that promotes better blood circulation. This helps prevent fluid from collecting in your ankles and feet, which works to minimize swelling and pain.
They also come in a variety of weights, from light, medium and heavier weight. Botek suggests starting with lightweight socks. Put them on in the morning and wear them as long as you remain comfortable. Elevating your legs above the level of your heart helps drain built-up fluid from your lower extremities, says Dr. Basically, you give your circulatory system a little assistance by letting gravity do its thing.
Best of all, the process is simple. Various yoga poses — such as lying on the floor with your legs raised and pressed against the wall — can also help. Fans of Epsom salt baths talk glowingly of the restorative power brought by a to minute tub soak.
The fancy title for this treatment, by the way, is transdermal magnesium supplementation. Is there a ton of science behind the claims of how Epsom salt reduces inflammation and draws out toxins? Not really… but people swear by it.
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