Easing discomfort of swollen feet

Your feet and ankles look normal in the morning. By day's end, though, they are swollen, and you cannot wait to get your shoes off. Swelling (edema) results from fluid buildup in tissues. Gravity pulls the fluids to the feet and ankles, causing them to swell. Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers these tips to reduce swelling.

Cut back on salt. It contributes to fluid retention.

Put feet up. Lying on your back, rest feet at least 12 inches above the level of your heart for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day.

Use support stockings. Roll these on in the morning to promote circulation and limit gravitational movement of fluids. Most medical supply and drug stores carry them. Exercise regularly. This improves circulation. Lose excess weight. Extra pounds slow circulation of body fluids and put added pressure on veins.

Avoid long periods of sitting. Get up and walk every one or two hours.

Review medication with a doctor. Certain drugs, including nonsteroidalanti-inflammatories and calcium channel blockers, can contribute to swelling.

See a physician if you have swelling that is persistent, accompanied by shortness of breath and weight gain, or damages the skin.

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