The reason leg elevation helps swelling is that gravity pulls towards earth. If your leg is swollen and you raise it higher than your heart, the force of gravity will be moving the fluid in your leg towards your heart.

Should I elevate my feet if they are swollen?

The goal is to elevate the swollen limb slightly above the level of the heart. This helps the extra fluid move back towards the heart for circulation to the rest of the body. Lying in bed with your legs elevated is the best position to help lower swelling. It is best to lie on your back.

How long should you elevate your feet?

Keeping your foot raised helps decrease pain and swelling. When you elevate your ankle, try to keep it at the level of your heart. Lying on a couch with pillows under your foot is better than sitting in a chair with your foot on a footstool. Try to keep your foot elevated for 2 to 3 hours a day.