- Staying off your feet for as much time as possible will help to reduce the amount of fluid in the ankles and thus bring down the swelling. Elevating the ankles when time permits is another way to help with swelling. Elevating the ankles above the level of the heart will slow down the amount of blood flowing to the ankles and bring them back down to size.
- Exercise, in general, is great for the entire body, but getting your ankles in motion will help pump fluids out of the ankle area and back up to the heart.
- Ankle swelling can be caused by diet. If you eat a diet high in salt with lots of processed foods and salty meats, this will allow the body to store up fluids more easily. Cutting down on the salt in your diet and substituting fresh fruits and vegetables is good for fluid retention as well as circulation.
- Support stockings can help increase the flow of blood in the ankle area, reducing the amount of fluid and stimulating blood flow. If you see a doctor for the condition, she may provide stockings for you but you can also find them at most drug stores.
- Sometimes, treating ankle-swelling is more about treating the underlying cause. If you go to the doctor after exhausting all forms of self-care treatment, he'll want to discuss where your swelling is, take a look at your medical history and perform a physical with a focus on your heart, liver and kidneys.
