- Rest. Stay off your ankle or leg until you can get to the doctor or until the swelling goes away.
- Ice. Put ice on the swollen area as soon as you can for 15 to 20 minutes. ...
- Compression. Wrap your ankle or leg snugly, but be sure not to cut off circulation. ...
- Elevation.
How do you reduce a swollen ankle?
Feb 15, 2022 · Treatment Compression Stockings. Wearing compression stockings applies continuous pressure to the legs, which can help improve... Epsom Salts. Magnesium deficiency is linked to increased inflammation throughout the body. It often causes swelling. Diet and Supplements. Reducing sodium (salt) intake ...
How to relieve swollen ankles?
Feb 04, 2021 · On the other hand, if you’ve been on your feet or have injured your ankle, it’s best to take it easy for a few days. Ice. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling and can help with discomfort. Elevation. Keep those legs up on a chair or ottoman to counteract the effect of gravity, which naturally pulls fluid down into your ankles.
When should I be worried about swollen ankles?
Why is your ankle still swollen after months of recovery?
How do you get rid of swollen ankles fast?
7 Helpful Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet and AnklesWalk it Out. ... Drink Lots of Water. ... Sleep on Your Side. ... Enjoy Some Pool Time. ... Limit Your Salt. ... Wear Compression Socks. ... Elevate Your Feet.
What is the main cause of swollen ankles?
The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema. Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations. Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age.
What is the best home remedy for a swollen ankle?
Ice: Apply cold to the ankle several times a day to help reduce pain and swelling. Compression: Apply a static or elastic compression bandage to help limit swelling. Elevation: Reduce the flow of blood and other fluids to the injury site by elevating the ankle above the heart.
Can swollen ankles be serious?
Swollen ankles and swollen feet are common and usually not cause for concern, particularly if you have been standing or walking a lot. But feet and ankles that stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms could signal a serious health problem.Jan 14, 2021
How do I get rid of fluid in my ankle?
Home CarePut your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.Exercise your legs. ... Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around.More items...•Apr 24, 2021
Does walking help reduce swollen ankles?
Tips to reduce ankle and foot swelling Simple lifestyle changes — such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr. Botek. She suggested activities such as walking and swimming.Aug 11, 2021
What medications can cause swollen ankles?
Medications that may cause the feet to swell include:hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.calcium-channel blockers that help control blood pressure.steroids, both androgenic and anabolic, and corticosteroids.antidepressants.nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.medication to help manage diabetes.
What causes swollen ankles in elderly?
This is a common condition among seniors and is caused by fluid accumulating in the soft tissue surrounding the ankles or in the ankle joint. The swelling may be due to prolonged standing, eating a diet high in salt, sitting for extended periods of time, sustaining an ankle injury, or taking certain medications.Jul 2, 2021
Why do my ankles swell?
12 causes of swollen ankles. There are many different causes of swollen ankles. In most cases, swelling is due to injury or edema. The term edema means swelling due to the accumulation of excess fluid. It is particularly common in the lower leg, ankles, and feet.
What are the side effects of pregnancy?
Pregnancy. Share on Pinterest. Swollen ankles are a common side effect of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body produces more blood and bodily fluids to support the developing fetus. Swelling is a common side effect of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It can affect the ankles, feet, legs, face, and hands.
Can cellulitis be life threatening?
Cellulitis can cause a range of symptoms, including redness, warm skin, and swelling that spreads rapidly. In rare cases, cellulitis can be life-threatening without treatment. People with cellulitis need to take antibiotics.
What is the swelling of the arm called?
Lymphedema is a type of swelling that affects the soft tissues in the arms or legs, including the ankles. It is due to a buildup of a fluid called lymph. This is mainly composed of white blood cells, which help fight infection.
Why does my foot swell?
A person may experience inflammation due to an injury on the ankle or foot. People who sustain an injury to the foot or ankle may experience inflammation in that area, causing it to appear swollen. An ankle sprain is one of the most common foot injuries.
What is the most common type of edema?
The most common type of edema is from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI is a condition that affects the valves in the leg veins. These valves usually make sure that blood flows toward the heart. In CVI, however, the valves malfunction and allow some of the blood to flow backward and pool in the lower legs and ankles.
How does DVT affect the heart?
DVT obstructs the flow of blood returning to the heart, causing it to build up in the affected limb. Sometimes, the body is able to compensate for the blockage by gradually diverting blood through smaller neighboring veins. Over time, these veins get larger and are able to drain blood from the limb.
Why do my ankles swell?
Ankle. When the body holds on to too much fluid, it collects in the legs and ankles due to gravity. Swollen ankles can be caused by pregnancy, heart disease & overuse. Read below on swollen ankles or swelling of one ankle causes and treatment. We will also review the difference between one vs both ankles swelling.
What causes swelling in the ankle?
Certain diseases like lupus increase inflammation throughout the body and may lead to swelling. Blood clot. A blockage in your vein (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) prevents blood from draining from the ankle and may travel to arteries in your lungs if not treated appropriately. Infection.
How to tell if you have a broken ankle?
Swelling may be the most obvious sign of a broken or sprained ankle that may also be painful. Sitting still. Remaining seating for long periods of time, such as during an airplane ride, allows blood and fluid to pool in the ankles due to the force of gravity.
Can swelling be treated at home?
If you have some occasional swelling, the good news is that there are several treatments you can try in the comfort of your own home. These common-sense measures can reduce discomfort and get you back on your feet. If the swelling persists for a long period of time or becomes particularly severe or bothersome, then visit your doctor as medications and tests may be in order.
Why does my leg swell up?
Swelling can also be caused by problems with fluid balance. When the body holds on to too much fluid, it collects in the legs and ankles due to gravity.
What does a doctor look for in a swollen heart?
Detailed physical examination. Your doctor will examine the area of swelling but will also look for signs of problems with your heart, kidneys, and liver as these can lead to swelling throughout the body.
Why does my foot swell?
A swollen foot may be caused blood vessel blockage, lymphatic blockage, or trauma from an injury. Other causes of swelling in one foot include skin infections like cellulitis, or ankle arthritis which can also be the cause of one swollen ankle.
