Leg and feet swelling, or edema, is an accumulation of liquid in the tissues between the cell spaces and may be annoying at first, but progress to a severe or debilitating problem. Signs include swelling or pitting of the skin where a finger indentation may last for a few seconds to minutes or longer. In most cases swelling of the legs is caused by (#1) a weakness of the kidneys; (#2) lymphatic congestion; (#3) heart valve weakness; or (#4) liver problems. Then there are rarer symptoms of asites, cancer, pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or kidney failure, etc. More seriously, swelling of one particular leg, right or left, is important as well as leg swelling during morning or night. If the legs or feet are warm or cold, this also has significance. Swelling from vein enlargement is mostly one sided, pressure and pain sensitive and difficult to press. It is a circulatory problem and may be connected to hemorrhoids or varicose veins. Natural therapies may be very effective. Be sure to know the underlying problem.

Medical treatment for simple cases of leg and feet swelling (edema) include the use of diuretics and possibly potassium. While somewhat effective, they may produce dependence, cover other symptoms, damage the kidneys, or have other side effects and toxicity.

It is important to have the cause of leg and feet swelling diagnosed to rule out serious problems.

Naturally, we look for simple solutions first to leg and feet swelling, such as dehydration (not drinking enough water), side effects from medications you are taking, or not getting enough protein. It may also be due to constipation (not having at least one bowel movement a day).

For leg and feet swelling (edema) classification one must recognize the following criteria:

Kidneys: leg and feet swelling where the skin is warm and is already there in the mornings. Signs are seen in the face also swollen eyelids and puffiness of the back of the hands. It is mostly right sided.

Lymphatic congestion: first rule out the other causes. Swelling of feet and legs are at a normal temperature, not hot or cold, and could be either leg. We also see glands swelling in the groin, arms or head.

Heart problems: limbs are cold, and the swelling begins in the joint areas, goes to the feet and is mostly left sided.

Liver edema, also known as ASITES: before the leg and feet swelling begin the abdomen is enlarged, a water swelling, the navel is stretched where it is only seen as flattened spot. In opposition to the swollen abdomen the rest of the extremities look thin. With this process we often see a colon disturbance. Before the abdominal water swelling, we see and abdominal expansion swelling. It is often combined with constipation.

Diet for leg swelling: stop smoking, alcohol, caffeine, coffee, black tea, sodas, and processed foods.  Supplements to help with leg swelling (edema) include:

Coenzyme Q10 – 100 mg a day for heart care and protection.

Vitamin B6 is a mild natural diuretic when used at 50mg twice daily.

 

Herbs for Leg and Feet Swelling

Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening/ tonifying properties. Learn more about herbs >

Use a combination of the following herbs in capsule or powder for general leg swelling, and adjust as your condition improves. The herbs are specific for each underlying cause. Therapeutic dose is equal to one capsule of each herb 3 times a day or 15 drops of an herbal tincture 3 times a day.

 

Redroot helps with lymphatic and liver congestion.

Juniper berries support the urinary system and produce a diuretic effect.

Hawthorn berries support heart circulation and blood pressure as well as nerve support.

Dandelion root and leaf provide liver and kidney support as well as a diuretic effect.

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Cell Salts to Help with Leg and Feet Swelling

To make a cell salt solution, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day. Learn more about cell salts >

#9 Nat mur 6X – removes extra fluids, leg swelling-but not pitting-of skin, grief emotions, worse heat and mornings 11am
#11 Nat sulph 6X – leg swelling with pitting (finger mark stays for a few seconds to minutes), worse in damp and cold weather and 4 – 5 am
#12 Silicea 6X – edema with cramping, icy cold sweaty, worse cold, changes with moon phases

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Leg and Feet Swelling Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic natural medicines safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women. You may use 6X, 30X, 6C or 30C potencies. Learn more about homeopathy >

Apis mellifica – worse left side; also signified in swollen upper eyelids; edema from allergic reactions; with burning, stinging and throbbing pains; better from cold, worse 4pm.

Arsenicum album – worse evenings 10pm-2am; stitching, heavy, burning restless feet; better with warmth; perfectionist.

Bryonia – sharp stabbing pains worse from any movement; arthritis; hot swelling feet with sharp needles in soles; heaviness of legs; doesn’t’ want to be talked to.

Causticum – burning of joints, deformed joints; weak ankles; unsteady walking; passionate about social issues; better warmth; cant stand on heels.

Ledum – gouty pains; painful soles when walking; better from cold, worse night and warmth.

Lycopodium – twitching and jerking; stiffness; one foot hot while the other is cold; may have digestive or liver problems; poor self esteem; worse 4-8pm.

Pulsatilla – pains wander to various body parts; feet red, inflamed, swollen; varicose veins; weeping and whiny with hormonal problems; can’t tolerate heat, fatty foods.

Left-Sided Leg Swelling (Heart issues)

Apis mellifica – worse left side; also signified in swollen upper eyelids; edema from allergic reactions; with burning, stinging and throbbing pains; better from cold, worse 4pm.

Elaps – worse at night; soreness, bluish swelling-heart issues; worse from cold, storms, and wet weather.

Lachesis – bluish purple swelling; cramps and swelling; bad smelling foot sweat; jealous and talkative; worse mornings.

Lycopodium – especially when it starts on the right and moves to the left; twitching and jerking; stiffness; one foot hot while the other is cold; may have digestive or liver problems; poor self esteem; worse 4-8 pm.

Silicea – edema with cramping, icy cold sweat; changes with moon phases; worse cold.

Right-sided Leg Swelling (Kidney issues)

Lycopodium – twitching and jerking; stiffness; one foot hot while the other is cold; may have digestive or liver problems; poor self esteem; worse 4-8pm.

Secale – when swelling gets serious; tingling numbness and prickling; icy cold feet; can have ulceration.

Sanguinaria – burning of soles; worse on right side, nights; often used for right-sided migraines.

Sulphur – soles burn, wants feet uncovered; person is a philosopher; worse at night, full moon, change of weather and mornings.

Leg Swelling Mornings

Apis mellifica – worse left side; also signified in swollen upper eyelids; edema from allergic reactions; with burning, stinging and throbbing pains; better from cold, worse 4pm.

Aurum metallicum – flush of blood to feet; feet feel tight bruised; cold foul food sweat; deep depression, suicidal feelings from financial problems.

Mancinella – ice coldness of feet; biting pain; skin degrades; dry soles of feet; worse cold and with anger.

Phytolacca – also for lymphatic congestion; electric shooting pains; wandering pains, aching heels; pain in ankles and feet; cold feet; neuralgia.

Sabadilla – leg swelling with sneezing and an allergy component; swelling of feet and painful soles; toenail fungus and inflammation.

Silicea – edema with cramping, icy cold sweat; changes with moon phases; worse cold.

Leg Swelling Evenings

Bryonia (#1) – sharp stabbing pains worse from any movement; arthritis; hot swelling feet with sharp needles in soles; heaviness of legs; doesn’t’ want to be talked to.

Apis mellifica – worse left side; also signified in swollen upper eyelids; edema from allergic reactions; with burning, stinging and throbbing pains; better from cold, worse 4pm.

Causticum – burning of joints, deformed joints; weak ankles; unsteady walking; passionate about social issues; better warmth; cant stand on heels.

Cocculus indicus – connected with dizziness; stiff, lame, unsteady, trembling, spasms; better from warm, resting; worse 1 am.

Phosphorus – feet heavy, tingling and itching; joints give way suddenly; cold feet; emotionally sensitive and empathetic people; worse evenings, left side.

Pulsatilla – pains wander to various body parts; feet red, inflamed, swollen; varicose veins; weeping and whiny with hormonal problems; can’t tolerate heat, fatty foods.

Rhus tox – stiffness worse upon first movement but better from continued motion; better from heat, worse storms; cracking joints, tingling; needle pain upon walking.

Sanguinaria – burning of soles; worse on right side, nights; often used for right-sided migraines.

Thuja – feels alone or isolated; feet feel fragile; pain in heels, toes, Achilles tendon; trembling, cold numb left side; worse 3am or 3 pm.

 

 

Source: Dave’s Healing Notes