Ask a doctor - How to quickly reduce swelling?

When you 39 re dealing with swelling you want relief fast Here are some steps to help you out 1 Rest Give the affected area a break If it 39 s your ankle prop it up on a pillow If it 39 s your hand try to avoid using it too much 2 Ice Applying ice can work wonders for reducing swelling Wrap some ice cubes or a frozen gel pack in a towel and place it on the swollen area for about 15-20 minutes Repeat this every couple of hours but make sure not to leave the ice on for too long as it can damage your skin 3 Compression Using a compression bandage or wrap can help reduce swelling by applying gentle pressure to the area Just make sure not to wrap it too tightly as this can restrict blood flow 4 Elevation Elevating the swollen area above the level of your heart can help reduce swelling by allowing fluids to drain away from the area So if it 39 s your leg prop it up on some pillows while you 39 re lying down 5 Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess fluids from your body which can reduce swelling 6 Over-the-counter Medication Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help reduce swelling and relieve pain Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions and check with a doctor if you have any concerns or medical conditions 7 Limit Salt Intake Too much salt in your diet can cause your body to retain water which can worsen swelling Try to cut back on salty foods until the swelling goes down 8 Massage Gentle massage can help improve circulation and reduce swelling Just make sure not to apply too much pressure especially if the area is tender or bruised Remember if the swelling doesn 39 t improve or if it 39 s accompanied by severe pain redness or fever it 39 s important to see a doctor as it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition

Q. How to quickly reduce swelling?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

When you're dealing with swelling, you want relief fast. Here are some steps to help you out:

1. Rest: Give the affected area a break. If it's your ankle, prop it up on a pillow. If it's your hand, try to avoid using it too much.

2. Ice: Applying ice can work wonders for reducing swelling. Wrap some ice cubes or a frozen gel pack in a towel and place it on the swollen area for about 15-20 minutes. Repeat this every couple of hours, but make sure not to leave the ice on for too long, as it can damage your skin.

3. Compression: Using a compression bandage or wrap can help reduce swelling by applying gentle pressure to the area. Just make sure not to wrap it too tightly, as this can restrict blood flow.

4. Elevation: Elevating the swollen area above the level of your heart can help reduce swelling by allowing fluids to drain away from the area. So if it's your leg, prop it up on some pillows while you're lying down.

5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess fluids from your body, which can reduce swelling.

6. Over-the-counter Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions and check with a doctor if you have any concerns or medical conditions.

7. Limit Salt Intake: Too much salt in your diet can cause your body to retain water, which can worsen swelling. Try to cut back on salty foods until the swelling goes down.

8. Massage: Gentle massage can help improve circulation and reduce swelling. Just make sure not to apply too much pressure, especially if the area is tender or bruised.

Remember, if the swelling doesn't improve or if it's accompanied by severe pain, redness, or fever, it's important to see a doctor, as it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.