Q I'm a freelancer who spends long hours sitting at the computer. Is there a way to reduce swelling at home without going to a clinic? What can I do every day to make my legs less swollen?
A You can manage swelling well at home too. The basics are standing up and walking once an hour, elevating your legs before bed, calf stretches, cutting sodium, and drinking a moderate amount of lukewarm water. Just breaking the habit of sitting for long periods noticeably reduces evening leg swelling.
Detailed Answer
Here are the basics of swelling care you can practice in daily life. First, stand up and walk for a few minutes at least once an hour to activate your calf muscle pump. Second, elevate your legs above heart level for 10 to 15 minutes before bed to help pooled fluid drain. Third, make calf and ankle stretches a habit. Fourth, cut back on sodium and drink a moderate, not excessive, amount of water. Fifth, if you often stand or sit for long periods, compression stockings can help.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
Dongjedang views these daily habits as 'a way of gradually releasing stagnant circulation little by little every day.' Small movements add up to clear stagnation, reducing swelling and the puffiness along with it. If home care alone doesn't work well or the swelling keeps recurring, looking into the cause together at Dongjedang in Dong-gu, Incheon is also an option.
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