how can I make swelling go down faster?

shakybabe

I injured leg last week by staying on passive trainer bike (has motor that pedals legs for me) after legs had gone into spasm.. thinking I'd be burning extra calories from pedalling whilst legs were shaking too.. it swelled up a back.. I rested few days and thought it be ok as long as didn't go back on bike... done 2 x 2hr early morning sessions. of yoga/pilates (gentle stretching) and games I can play from chair but not on bike.. leg is still swollen at back and obviously retaining water as my weight has not changed since last week no matter what time of day I weigh.. I've tried water tablets but that's had no effect and still up by 2lbs since the injury.

How do I get leg to go back down before saturday so it lets go of the water? I don't want to fail weigh-in again with no weight loss since last week :sad:

randa_behnam

keep your leg rasised higher than your heart level. try to do this as much as you can until the swelling reduces and the blood flow gets back to normal.

mikeyrp

for muscle swelling I use ice, followed by a hot bath. Not sure about water swelling.

aa1440

R.I.C.E.

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

1546mel

Swelling is a response to injury produced by your immune system. You cannot rush the response. Give it time. Try other methods suggested, but time will be best.

shakybabe

should I not exercise it at all until it goes down? or will gentle stretches help so can still do pilates floor exercises?

rosied915

Forget the "weigh-in" hon, you've got to worry about that leg healing right now.

Be VERY careful, my friend~ you sound like you're getting "Live and Die by the Scale" syndrome! This will cause disappointment, frustration and possible failure in your efforts.

You are doing an AWESOME job and your commitment is admirable~ you are an inspiration to all of us here~ but please, easy does it.

shakybabe

Thank you! :happy:

I never thought I'd get this far but when I got to 160lbs I couldn't wait to get in the 150's for first time in years! .. and I know as soon as I drop a pound or two to 158-159lbs I won't be able to wait until I can get to the 140's!

My goal was to get to around 11st by xmas and I was only 6lb off when I hit 160 mark so its really frustrating! I want to fit in some 34" Levi's for when my friend takes me xmas shopping so I can try some on and buy some!

I am thrilled to be able to fit in size 16 jog pants though!,.. not bad to say I was a 20 in June!

FairyMiss

R.I.C.E.

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

this