There are two basic ways to wake up in the morning: refreshed and rejuvenated, or groggy and in pain. If you fall into the latter group, you may dread waking up. Swollen hands and legs make mornings unpleasant, but they don’t have to; if you know what to look for and how to treat these problems, it’s entirely possible to start your day out just like everyone else.
Causes and Remedies for Morning Swelling of the Hands and Feet
The first step is identifying the root cause of swollen limbs. There are a variety of different reasons.
Dehydration
The first cause of swollen limbs is dehydration. Considering that a majority of the world fails to drink enough water during the day, many people are chronically dehydrated. This causes the body to go into ‘survival’ mode, where it retains water. This can cause swollen joints. Try drinking more water throughout the course of the day.
Sleeping Position
If you sleep in a strange position, it can cause swelling of your hands and legs. This is often accompanied by sleep apnea or insomnia, making it difficult to get a full night’s rest. Consult a physician to address sleeping problems, and you may find the swelling goes away on its own.
Arthritis
If you suffer from arthritis, swelling is normal. There are medications available that can address the issue and help alleviate the symptoms.
Kidney Issues
Those who have kidney infections may find swelling in their joints, hands, and legs, as the role of the kidneys is to rid the body of toxins. When you have a kidney infection, your organs do not work as effectively. Clearing up the infection can help.
High Sodium Diet
America is prone to eating a lot of food with far too much salt. Salt can cause water retention, causing a swelling in the hands and feet. Try reducing your daily sodium intake and see if the swelling goes down.
Pregnancy
Women in all stages of pregnancy may experience swelling as a result. Because pregnant women need to drink more water, it’s easier to become dehydrated.Follow your obstetrician’s instructions in regards to diet, and be careful of the medications you take while pregnant.
Injury
Swelling in the hands and legs can come as a result of injuries. Those who spend most of their days at the computer may experience swelling in the hands due to overuse, as well as swelling in the legs from disuse. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day and walk around; exercising your legs is important in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. In addition, allowing your hands a break every couple of hours can help offset the effects of carpal tunnel.
Disease
There are a variety of diseases that can cause swelling in various limbs, as well as a host of other symptoms. These number too many to list in the scope of this article; however, if you are experiencing strange symptoms that seem to have no obvious cause, consult a doctor.
Treatment of Swelling
There are a variety of ways to treat swollen limbs, but many methods involve medication. Those who want to take a more natural approach can try other means, such as:
Hot and Cold Compresses
Depending on the cause of the swelling, a hot or cold compress can be used to bring down the inflammation. Allergic reactions can be treated with an ice pack, while an injury should be treated with heat after the initial period.
Massage
A gentle massage of the swollen area can help to push the swelling out. However, you should be careful not to further cause injury to the area. Keep the message gentle, with a rolling motion rather than applying hard pressure.
Mustard Oil
Mustard oil can be used as a sort of massage oil for affected areas. Apply the oil and massage gently for around five minutes to help reduce the swelling.
Compression Materials
If the swelling frequently happens at night, go to sleep while wearing compression leggings. These leggings will help to regulate blood flow and reduce swelling in your legs. You can also invest in compression gloves for your hands if they are affected, as well.
There are a number of natural remedies that can be used to address problems of swelling. Many of these may prove to be more effective than medication, particularly in the early stages of swelling.