what is the best treatment for swollen feet and ankles

How to reduce foot and ankle swelling?

Feb 15, 2022 · Diet and Supplements. Reducing sodium (salt) intake can help balance your system and decrease swelling. If sodium intake is too high, your body will hold onto water to maintain an ideal ratio of sodium and water. This results in water retention that can produce abdominal bloating and swelling in the feet and ankles.

What causes ankle and feet swelling, what should I do?

Apr 05, 2022 · How to Handle Swollen Feet and Ankles Swelling in the extremities, such as the lower legs, ankles and feet, is called peripheral edema . This buildup of fluids becomes more common as you get older, partially because of gravity, but also from reduced circulation or a more sedentary lifestyle.

Why is your ankle still swollen after months of recovery?

Dec 01, 2021 · Using firm strokes and some pressure will promote fluid movement in the foot and ankle and reduce the swelling. Leg massages can also help in lymphatic drainage in the legs. Rubbing from the calf to the ankle in an up-and-down motion for ten minutes can help relieve tension and fluid retention.

How to reduce swelling after foot surgery [7 simple tips]?

Aug 20, 2021 · Drink plenty of water – 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Elevation – keep legs slightly higher than the heart when sitting or sleeping. Consider the medications you’re taking – NSAIDs, estrogen, calcium channel blockers, some anti-depressants, and diabetes medicines can cause swelling.

What does it mean if your feet and ankles are swollen?

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 medicine can I take to reduce swelling in my feet?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help ease swelling and pain. Acetaminophen might also fight pain. Some doctors say magnesium is a good mineral to add to your diet to help with painful swelling.Feb 1, 2021

How do I stop my feet and ankles from swelling?

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.

How do I get rid of fluid in my legs and feet?

Compression stockingsMovement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. ... Elevation. ... Massage. ... Compression. ... Protection. ... Reduce salt intake.Dec 1, 2020

How do you make swelling go down fast?

Applying an ice-pack or cold compress to an injury is the fastest way to deal with immediate swelling. It helps reduce swelling by restricting blood flow to the area and slowing down cellular metabolism. Cold therapy systems and ice baths are other methods you can use to apply cold to the area.Nov 10, 2017

What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication?

While diclofenac is the most effective NSAID for treating osteoarthritic pain, clinicians need to be aware of its potential harmful effects.Aug 8, 2017

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 know if my foot swelling is serious?

When to Call Your Doctor Get medical help right away if your feet are swollen and you're short of breath or have chest pain. These could be signs of fluid or a blood clot in your lungs. See your doctor if: Your swollen foot keeps a dimple after you press it.May 14, 2021

What helps swollen feet in elderly?

But again, most leg swelling in aging adults is chronic venous insufficiency. The ideal management of this chronic condition includes “lifestyle” measures such as elevating the legs regularly, using compression stockings, reducing salt intake, and doing exercises which improve fluid movement in the legs.

Do water pills help with swollen feet?

The first thing your doctor may try are diuretics, or water pills. This may not be the best treatment particularly if the swelling is not due to too much volume. “Often, using counter pressure, or wearing compression stockings, to help push fluid out of the legs is the most effective treatment,” says Dr.Jun 5, 2020

What doctor treats edema?

If you experience swelling that does not go away on its own, make an appointment to see your primary doctor. If the issue doesn't improve, ask your doctor for a referral to a vascular specialist. Duke offers a special Limb Swelling Clinic for just these kinds of issues.May 20, 2021

How do you get rid of water retention overnight?

Here are 13 ways to reduce excess water weight fast and safely.Exercise on a Regular Basis. Share on Pinterest. ... Sleep More. ... Stress Less. ... Take Electrolytes. ... Manage Salt Intake. ... Take a Magnesium Supplement. ... Take a Dandelion Supplement. ... Drink More Water.More items...•Aug 9, 2018

How to help swollen feet?

Massage can be great for swollen feet and can also promote relaxation. Massage (or have someone massage them for you!) your feet toward your heart with firm strokes and some pressure. This can help move the fluid out of the area and reduce swelling.

What causes swelling in the ankles?

Painless swelling of the feet or ankles is common and can happen for a variety of reasons. Causes of swollen feet can include: 1 staying on your feet too long 2 ill-fitting shoes 3 pregnancy 4 lifestyle factors 5 certain medical conditions

Why do my feet swell?

Painless swelling of the feet or ankles is common and can happen for a variety of reasons. Causes of swollen feet can include: staying on your feet too long. ill-fitting shoes. pregnancy.

How to reduce swelling in a swollen ear?

Here are 10 to try. 1. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling.

How to reduce swelling in feet while pregnant?

If you’re looking to reduce foot swelling while pregnant, try elevating your feet several times a day as well. Aim for about 20 minutes at a time, even on an ottoman or a chair. Try to avoid standing for long periods of time and stay off your feet when you can. 5. Get moving!

Does Epsom salt help with muscle pain?

Epsom salt ( magnesium sulfate) may not only help with muscle pain. It may also reduce swelling and inflammation. The theory is that Epsom salt draws out toxins and increases relaxation.

Does fluid help with swelling?

Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have. This contributes to swelling.

1. Being overweight

Too much body mass can decrease blood circulation, causing excess fluid to accumulate in the ankles and legs.

2. Standing or sitting for long hours

When your muscles stay inactive for a while, they can’t pump body fluids back up toward the heart, due to which water and blood retention cause puffiness and swelling.

3. Natural hormonal changes

Alternating levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause reduced blood circulation in the body, causing swelling. These changes in hormone levels may occur naturally during pregnancy and a woman’s menstrual cycle.

4. Hot Weather

During hot weather, veins in the feet expand to cool the body, causing feet to swell. This phenomenon causes a leak into the surrounding tissue, and fluids start accumulating in the ankles and feet.

5 . Blood Clot In The Leg

Blood clots develop when the blood fails to flow properly in the body, preventing it from moving back to the heart.#N#This process can cause the ankles and feet to swell.#N#In some conditions, the clots may drift and move up to the heart or lungs, causing swelling and discomfort.

6. Pregnancy complications

Random foot swelling during pregnancy is prevalent because women’s body is producing more body fluids. However, sudden or excessive swelling may be a sign of preeclampsia, a severe condition in which high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in the urine develop after the 20th week of pregnancy.

7. Foot or ankle injury

A most common cause of ankle swelling is an injury to the foot or ankle itself. For example, an overstrained ankle sprain, broken Bone, tendon rupture, turf toe, insect bite, or skin burn could also cause the foot to swell.

Sudden onset (acute) swelling caused by injury

Acute swelling is usually found in one place in the body and the person generally knows the reason for the pain or swelling. Causes can include arthritis, sprain, traumatic or sports-related injuries.

Slow onset swelling or unexplained swelling

Swelling that is unexplained in one or both legs is more difficult to identify. Causes could include medical conditions such as; heart disease, kidney, liver or thyroid disease, inactivity, dietary factors such as too much sodium, not enough water, obesity, or pregnancy.

Causes for Ankle and Foot Swelling

As you breathe and walk, blood moves toward the heart. When gravity pulls, the valves open to prevent the blood from pooling in the legs and ankles. Venous insufficiency occurs when these valves fail, allowing blood to flow backward and pool.

Can ankle or foot swelling be reduced at home?

If a person is experiencing swelling not caused by injury or a blood clot, Dr. Kelsey recommends:

When should a person see a vein specialist?

If swelling persists after other causes are ruled out, a visit to a vein specialist is in order. This specialist will perform a diagnostic ultrasound to look for signs of venous insufficiency or early lymphedema and guide patients in treatment options.

How to diagnose swelling caused by improperly functioning leg veins

Venous insufficiency is diagnosed using a mapping ultrasound. During this thorough yet painless ultrasound, the technician will “view” the veins and test their function to identify any abnormalities in the blood flow throughout the leg.

Treatment for chronic venous insufficiency

Since vein disease runs in families, stories of painful, invasive treatments from the past are passed down through the generations, says Dr. Kelsey. Luckily, these old procedures have been replaced with new minimally invasive techniques that are office-based and require little to no downtime.

How to get rid of swollen feet?

lie down and use pillows to raise the swollen area when you can. get some gentle exercise, like walking, to improve your blood flow. wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole. wash, dry and moisturise your feet to avoid infections.

Why do my ankles swell?

Common causes of swollen ankles, feet and legs. Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema. Oedema is usually caused by: standing or sitting in the same position for too long. eating too much salty food. being overweight.

Why does my ankle feel hot?

the swelling is only in 1 ankle, foot or leg and there's no obvious cause, such as an injury. the swelling is severe, painful or starts very suddenly. the swollen area is red or feels hot to the touch. your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery. you have diabetes.

What causes oedema in the kidneys?

taking certain medicines – such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants or steroids. Oedema can also be caused by: an injury – such as a strain or sprain. an insect bite or sting. problems with your kidneys, liver or heart. a blood clot.

Does oedema go away on its own?

Treatment for swelling and oedema. Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause. It may include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or going on a low-salt diet.

How to get rid of swelling in ankles and feet?

For this remedy, take some rice starch water and mix some baking powder to it, until you get a paste-like consistency. Then apply the paste to your feet and ankles and leave it for 10-15 minutes. After that wash your leg and moisturize it . Keep repeating this process for a day or 2 to get rid of swelling completely.

How to treat swollen ankles?

Here are some tips and good practices, to consider, if you are dealing with swollen feet and ankles; 1 Opt for a low-salt diet as excess salt in the body could lead to fluid buildup. 2 You could also wear compression stockings. 3 If you are overweight or obese, lose the excess fat. 4 Avoid wearing tight clothing around your thighs. 5 You should include leg exercises in your exercise routine. Leg exercises help improve circulation. 6 Avoid sitting for long hours. Take intermittent breaks and walk around a bit. 7 You could place your legs on a pillow to raise them above your heart while lying down.

Why do my feet swell?

These reasons include; nutritional deficiencies, being overweight, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), aging, poor blood circulation, and lack of physical exercise. Also, an injury or surgery on the feet, ankle, or leg can cause swelling of the feet and ankles.

How to stop swelling in feet?

After that wash your feet with normal water. 2. Ice Pack. This is the most known way to reduce swelling. Putting an ice pack on the swollen leg helps reduce the swelling. In case you don’t have an ice pack at home, you can simply take 6-7 ice cubes and wrap it in a towel, or a cotton cloth, and put it on your swelling.

How to use Epsom salt for sore feet?

The best way to use it is by mixing it with warm water. Take a tub, fill it halfway with warm water, and then add the salt to it, and wait till it dissolves. Once the salt has dissolved, put the affected foot into the tub and let it rest.

How to treat fatty liver?

Ginger. Ginger, as a home remedy for swelling, can be used in 3 ways. Firstly, you can use ginger extract oil. Take the oil, mix it with some carrier oil (such as olive oil), or even take just the oil and massage it on the swollen feet.

How to get rid of edema in feet?

Coriander seed is also helpful in getting rid of excess fluid, thus reducing edema in the foot. Take 2-3 tablespoons of the seeds and boil it in water and after straining, drink the water. In case you don’t want to drink it, then grind the soaked seeds, and turn them into a paste. Apply the paste regularly on the affected feet and you will see some effective results.