Live & Learn -- Fat Feet Fixes

I actually think feet are super disgusting, so writing about them here is kind of a stretch, but I just had to share a couple things I've learned about during this pregnancy.

 

During the third trimester I've experienced a horrible amount of swelling, or Edema (if you want to get technical). It started as mild puffiness that forced me to take off my wedding rings and only wear my most comfy shoes. Since then, I've gone up two whole shoe sizes and had to buy new ones to avoid going barefoot (actually my preference), and my hands and feet hurt all the time (except for the portions that go completely numb).

 

It's pretty uncomfortable.

 

As you know I'm a pretty busy person, and since I work full time I don't have a lot of opportunities to just sit down and elevate my feet above my heart throughout the day (my doctor's recommended solution to help alleviate the discomfort). So by the end of the day, when I limp home and collapse into bed, my feet look something like this...

 

 

Sickening, just sickening.

 

I can barely even look at those fat piggies.

 

And Stew has taken to calling me his little Hobbit.

 

Since my doctor can't prescribe me anything to help water retention during pregnancy, I decided to explore some nontraditional remedies (with her blessing).

 

First up was trying some alternative medicine.

 

I made an appointment with a local acupuncturist who was recommended by my yoga instructor. For over 3,000 years people from all walks of life have enjoyed the many benefits of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is a time-tested form of health care based on a medical theory that defines good health as a balance of systems and circulation in the individual. It can reestablish balance by improving the flow of energy and blood, by enhancing circulation to systems that are depleted or by directing it away from areas of excess.

 

The doctor examined my feet and hands, took my pulse, looked at my tongue (I promise I couldn't make this up), and concluded that I am suffering from "dampness." As treatment, she intended to target my kidney function and fluid metabolism through four acupuncture treatments, along with having me avoid foods that exacerbate "dampness."

 

So far I've been to two appointments and haven't really noticed any results, but that hour long, extremely relaxing appointment has to do some good by helping my stress level, if nothing else.

 

Next came some real hippie stuff.

 

My yoga instructor also recommended using cabbage leaves to help with swelling. Apparently cabbage has quite a few medicinal qualities. Uncooked cabbage is high in glutamine, an amino acid that is essential for intestinal health. It has also been proven to be both antibacterial and antiviral. The Egyptians ate cabbage with vinegar before a night of drinking to prevent hangovers, and cabbage is still today considered one of the best remedies to cure hangovers! I'll have to try that after Baby Boy is born... Cabbage leaf compresses are often suggested by herbalists to reduce swelling, and I figured it couldn't hurt to try!

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 

Rinse and dry common green cabbage leaves. Right before applying, puncture the veins of the cabbage leaves with a fork to break them open. Apply the cabbage leaves directly onto the swollen area, making sure to cover all inflamed or engorged tissue. Wrap lightly with a towel to keep the leaves in place. In 45 minutes to an hour, when the cabbage leaves wilt, remove the leaves and reapply fresh ones as needed.

 

POSSIBLE RESULTS

 

Reduction in swelling.

Okay, okay, I'll admit it... the cabbage didn't really seem to reduce any swelling. But even if you don't really see results, the cool cabbage on my elevated feet did feel nice, and it forced me to sit and relax for almost an hour, something I rarely do...

 

GUARANTEED RESULTS

 

Your husband laughing at you, and calling you a hippie.

 

Whatev. I'm in so much pain at this point I'm willing to try anything. Stew keeps saying that I brought this on myself, but I seem to remember there being two of us involved in creating this baby... Perhaps I deserve a little more sympathy.

   

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