How to Reduce Hand and Foot Swelling After a Stroke (Easy At-Home Methods)

Are your hands or feet swelling up after a stroke—making it stiff, heavy, or harder to move?

You’re not alone. Swelling, or post-stroke edema, is a common but frustrating issue that can limit your movement, delay your rehab progress, and make daily tasks more difficult. The good news? There are simple, effective ways to reduce this swelling from home.

In this guide, we’ll cover four evidence-based, easy-to-implement techniques that can help reduce hand and foot swelling after stroke—no fancy equipment needed. These are the same methods we use in our online stroke therapy and stroke rehab programs in Indianapolis.

Why Does Swelling Happen After a Stroke?

When movement is limited—whether in the arms, hands, feet, or legs—circulation slows down. Your lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining fluid, becomes sluggish. Gravity pulls excess fluid down, and without regular muscle contractions to help pump it out, it starts to pool. That’s when you see puffiness in the hands, fingers, feet, and ankles.

If left unmanaged, this swelling can lead to joint stiffness, pain, and reduced functional use of your limbs. But let’s walk through four ways you can start taking control—starting today.

1. Elevation: Let Gravity Help You

Elevation is one of the easiest and fastest ways to reduce swelling.

💡 Tip: Keep the swollen hand or foot above heart level for at least 15–20 minutes, multiple times a day.

Use pillows or cushions to comfortably prop up the limb. For hand swelling, keep a pillow under the arm and try not to let the hand hang downward for long periods. Avoid letting the hand curl into a tight fist, as this can worsen finger swelling.

2. Compression Gloves or Socks: Prevent Re-Accumulation

Once you’ve elevated and moved the limb, compression can help prevent fluid from coming back.

• Compression gloves work well for hand swelling—make sure they’re snug, but not too tight.

• Compression socks or stockings are excellent for managing swelling in the feet and lower legs.

⚠️ Important: Check for skin color changes. If the limb turns pale, blue, or cold, remove the compression and consult your healthcare provider.

3. Retrograde Massage: Move the Fluid Out

Retrograde massage is a gentle technique to manually push fluid out of a swollen area and back toward the heart.

Here’s how to perform a retrograde massage for hand edema:

1. Start at the fingertips and use light strokes toward the wrist.

2. Move up the forearm toward the elbow.

3. Use gentle pressure—never push hard enough to cause pain.

4. Repeat for 5–10 minutes, a few times daily.

You can use lotion or oil to make the strokes smoother and more comfortable.

4. Passive and Active Range of Motion: Muscle Movement Matters

Muscle movement is essential to preventing fluid buildup.

If you have some movement:

• Open and close your hand 10 times.

• Bend and straighten your wrist slowly.

• Gently move your elbow up and down.

If your movement is limited:

• Use your stronger hand to move the weaker one.

• Ask a caregiver or therapist to help with passive range of motion exercises.

Even small movements go a long way in pushing fluid out of the limb and improving circulation.

Best Practices for Managing Edema After Stroke

For best results, use a multi-method approach—combine elevation, compression, massage, and movement. These four tools, when used together, can significantly reduce swelling and restore function faster.

But don’t stop there—bed positioning and pressure relief are also critical. Watch this video to learn how to position yourself properly in bed to prevent swelling, joint contractures, and pressure sores.

Start Your Recovery With Expert Support Online or at Home (If you live in Indianapolis)

Managing swelling is just one piece of the stroke recovery puzzle. To make real progress, you need a plan that evolves with you.

✅ Want tailored guidance on managing swelling and improving mobility?👉 Join my online stroke recovery coaching program for expert support, personalized home exercise plans, and virtual progress checks.

🎯 Not sure where to begin?👉 Download our free stroke recovery guide to identify your current stage and get the best exercises for where you are.

🎥 Want more stroke rehab education and guided exercises?👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly videos.

Final Thoughts

Swelling after a stroke can feel like a setback—but it doesn’t have to hold you back.

With the right techniques, practiced consistently, you can reduce edema, improve your mobility, and take back control of your recovery journey.

💬 What’s been the biggest challenge for you when it comes to managing swelling? Let me know in the comments below.