Swelling

Prevention

The following tips may help prevent swelling.

• Do not sit with your feet hanging down for long periods of time. Elevate your feet whenever possible. If you take a car trip, stop and walk around every 1 to 2 hours. If you are traveling in an airplane, be sure to get up and walk around every 1 to 2 hours.
• Limit the amount of salt in your diet.
• Exercise regularly. Warm up and stretch before exercising.
• Drink plenty of fluids, and keep your skin cool in hot environments.
• Avoid repetitive motions, or take frequent breaks often to rest a body area.
• Take medications as instructed. If swelling occurs often, discuss with your health professional whether taking your medication at another time of day would decrease the swelling.
• Do not smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. They increase circulation problems.

If you have a chronic medical condition or are pregnant, follow your health professional's instructions on how to prevent swelling and when to call to report your symptoms.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: December 12, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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