Home Remedies for Swelling from an Injury

You can walk down the street and suddenly surround your ankle, or try to lift a heavy bag and hurt your arm. Such examples of injuries are endless. Also read about Home Remedies for Swelling from an Injury

Despite all the precautions you take, injuries are very common. Often, they cause sudden pain and rapid swelling at the site of trauma. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury and has a protective value.

However, when the swelling is excessive, it can add to the pain and lead to further complications.

You can avoid excessive swelling by starting an immediate treatment. Many natural remedies can be used to prevent or reduce swelling due to injury.

Here are the top 6 home remedies for swelling from an injury.

1. Cold Compress

In the first seventy-two hours following the acute injury, applying a cold compress is the best methods to minimize swelling.

The cold temperature provides a numbing effect on the nerves, which in turn plays a key role in reducing swelling and inflammation.

• Wrap some ice cubes in a thin towel.
• Apply this package to the affected area for 10 minutes.
• Repeat every 3 to 4 hours.
• Instead of ice cubes, you can also use a bag of frozen peas to make a cold compress.

Note: Do not apply ice directly to the skin as it may damage the skin or cause frostbite. In addition, ice is not an appropriate treatment option for chronic injuries.

2. Elevation

Poor circulation is one of the main reasons to promote swelling in any part of the body due to injury.

Raising the affected area, such as a hand, finger, ankle or leg, above your chest level can help a lot to reduce swelling.

Elevation improves blood circulation, which in turn relieves discomforts such as swelling, inflammation, and pain. Elevation also facilitates waste disposal and accelerates the healing process.

• If your hand or your fingers are swollen, you can sit on a sofa, put a few pillows on his armrest and rest your hand on the cushions.
• To keep the hand or leg high during sleep, put some pillows in the affected area.
• If needed, use the sling to keep the arm or leg elevated.

3. Compression

Compression of the injured area is another effective way to reduce swelling.

It ensures stability and prevents the accumulation of fluid in the affected area, which helps reduce pain and swelling.

• To apply compression, obtain an ACE coating or an elastic band similar to the magazine.
• Wrap the bandage using a uniform pressure around the affected area.
• Keep the bandage during the day until the swelling is reduced.
  Remove the bandage before going to bed.

Note: Do not wrap the dressing too tightly, otherwise it hinders proper circulation.

4. Rest the Affected Area

To ensure a rapid reduction in wound swelling, you must allow the injured area to rest as much as possible during the first 24 to 72 hours.

• Proper rest is a key element to repair the damage to soft tissues that often occur with minor injuries. On the other hand, continuous tension will cause more inflammation, pain and delayed healing time.
• If you have an injured foot or an ankle, consider using crutches to drop the pressure from the swollen area.
• If you have an injured arm, use the other arm to perform tasks or seek help from others.

5. Epsom Salt Soak

Epsom salt is the excellent aid when it comes to decreasing swelling & pain after the injury.

Being composed of magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt helps to improve blood circulation and release stressed muscles.

One can begin applying Epsom salt forty eight hours after the injury.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a small bathtub filled with hot water. Soak the affected area, such as a foot or hand, for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat up to 3 times a week.
• For larger injured areas such as legs or shoulders, you can soak in an Epsom salt bath. Mix ½ cup of Epsom salt in your bathtub filled with hot water. Soak your body for 15 minutes twice a week.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy to reduce swelling. It has anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation.

In addition, potassium, calcium and other essential minerals help relieve pain and inflammation.

• Mix equal parts of raw apple cider vinegar, unfiltered and water. Heat the solution in the microwave, then remove a towel. Wrap the damp towel around the affected area and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat twice a day.
• In addition, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar, unfiltered in a glass of warm water, add a little raw honey and drink it twice a day.