Leg Elevation

It may sound too simple to be true, but one of the most helpful treatments to relieve pressure, discomfort, and swelling is also one of the simplest—elevating your legs. Elevating your legs to the level of your heart allows the pooled blood in the legs to drain back to the heart. Ideally, you should elevate your legs several times throughout the day for at least 30 minutes each time.

You should also keep them elevated at night by using pillows or cushions stacked to a height of at least six inches. A regular elevation regimen will increase your comfort and discourage edema, especially when used in conjunction with compression stockings.