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In the scorching heat of the southwest of Germany, the Good Morning Duisburg newsletter has provided valuable advice for those experiencing swollen legs. Here are the key recommendations to help combat this issue:
- Elevate your legs: By lying down and raising your feet above heart level for 10–15 minutes, you can help gravity move fluid back toward your heart and relieve swelling and heaviness. This simple action can make a significant difference [1][2].
- Cool compresses: Using cool compresses or cold packs (avoiding direct ice contact on skin) can constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, providing relief from swelling and discomfort. [1][2]
- Compression garments: Wearing graduated compression stockings (20-30 mmHg) can support circulation by gently squeezing the legs and promoting blood and lymph flow back toward the heart, reducing fluid buildup [2][3].
- Gentle massage: Performing gentle massage or manual lymphatic drainage with light pressure moving upwards can encourage lymph drainage and improve circulation in swollen legs [2][3].
- Hydration: Maintaining good hydration by drinking plenty of water keeps lymph fluid diluted and eases its passage through the body, helping reduce fluid retention [1][2].
- Regular movement: Increasing gentle movement such as walking, cycling, or swimming stimulates blood and lymphatic flow, preventing fluid accumulation caused by prolonged sitting or standing [1][2].
- Dietary adjustments: Monitoring dietary intake by reducing sodium (salt) consumption, increasing intake of potassium-rich foods (bananas, spinach, avocados), and antioxidants (dark leafy greens) supports vascular health and reduces puffiness [1][2].
Other supportive options include localized cryotherapy and therapeutic exercises as part of treatment for heat edema [3]. Contrast hydrotherapy (alternating hot and cold) may help in some conditions, but cooling is preferred initially for heat-related swelling [4].
It's essential to remember that avoiding standing or sitting in one position for extended periods and wearing loose, comfortable clothing can also help prevent swollen legs. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent swollen legs, especially during hot weather.
The Good Morning Duisburg newsletter is published daily, providing residents with timely and relevant information to help them navigate daily life in the city. This week, the weather in the southwest of Germany has been particularly hot, with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius in certain regions on Wednesday. However, the newsletter did not mention any impact of the heat on the people or infrastructure in Duisburg or Germany.
In summary, combining leg elevation, cool compresses, compression, gentle massage, hydration, movement, and dietary adjustments are the key recommended methods to relieve swollen legs caused by heat [1][2][3]. Stay cool and hydrated this summer!
[1] Healthline. (2021). How to Reduce Swelling in Your Legs. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-legs#treatment [Accessed 15 June 2021].
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Swollen legs. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20355460 [Accessed 15 June 2021].
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Heat Edema: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15297-heat-edema [Accessed 15 June 2021].
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Contrast Hydrotherapy. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17377-contrast-hydrotherapy [Accessed 15 June 2021].
- Maintaining the regular practice of science-backed methods such as elevating legs, using cool compresses, wearing compression garments, and gentle massage can be beneficial for health-and-wellness topics like reducing swollen legs, especially during hot weather.
- When discussing the importance of staying hydrated during hot weather for overall health-and-wellness, it's crucial to consider that proper hydration also plays a significant role in preventing swollen legs caused by fluid retention.