How to Ease Swollen Ankles

Leg exercises can ease swollen ankles

Swollen ankles can be caused by standing for long periods, prolonged car or airplane rides, pregnancy and being overweight. Your ankles also can swell from fluid retention, or if you injured your foot or ankle. Heart and kidney conditions also can promote edema in the ankles, as can advancing age and certain medications. You need to determine what is causing your swollen ankles, because failure to do so could result in an undiagnosed serious medical condition. There are steps you can take to ease your swollen ankles.

Things You'll Need

• Physical examination
• Low salt diet
• Support stockings
• Diuretic medication

Instructions

1. See your doctor. You will need a complete medical examination to determine the cause of your swollen ankles. Your doctor also might recommend blood tests to check for abnormalities in kidney function. Your treatment will depend on the findings of your physical examination.

2. Reduce your sodium. Foods containing large amounts of sodium such as luncheon meats and canned soups can promote swollen ankles. A low salt diet can reduce water retention and accompanying swelling, so ask your doctor to recommend a healthy low sodium diet.

3. Wear support stockings. Wearing support or compression stockings can stimulate circulation and discourage ankle swelling. You can find compression stockings at medical supply retailers and drugstores.

4. Inquire about diuretics. Ask your doctor about diuretic medications. Diuretics, also known as "water pills," promote the excretion of excess fluids, easing swollen ankles. Diuretics are also effective in reducing elevated blood pressure, which can cause ankle swelling.

5. Do leg exercises. Exercising your legs promotes optimal circulation and pumps fluids that have accumulated in your ankles and legs back towards your heart. Making small circular motions with your ankles will reduce swelling and ease discomfort. After completing your exercises, elevate your legs above the level of your heart to further promote circulation.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an ice bag. Ice is effective in reducing swelling and inflammation

• Seek emergency medical assistance if your swollen ankles are accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain. You could be experiencing a sudden cardiac event and will need rapid medical evaluation and treatment.

References

• Foot, leg and ankle swelling
• Foot, leg and ankle swelling - All Information