What to do to keep my ankles and feet from swelling?
Feb 15, 2022 · Treatment. Compression Stockings. Wearing compression stockings applies continuous pressure to the legs, which can help improve circulation and decrease fluid ... Epsom Salts. Diet and Supplements. Elevation. Massage.
How are swollen feet and ankles diagnosed and treated?
raise your legs or the swollen area on a chair or pillows 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.
What causes ankle and feet swelling, what should I do?
Aug 20, 2021 · Compression – Snug compression stockings provide support and pressure to the lower extremities, preventing fluid from pooling, and structural supports the veins system. Reducing sodium intake – Salt can increase fluid retention and worsen swelling. Drink plenty of water – 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
What can reduce swelling feet?
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.
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 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 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.
How do I make my swollen feet go down?
This method involves:Rest. Rest the affected limb as much as possible, and avoid putting pressure on it.Ice. Ice your foot for up to 20 minutes at a time throughout the day.Compression. Use a compression bandage to stop swelling.Elevation.
What is a good home remedy for swollen ankles?
Here are 10 to try.Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. ... Buy compression socks. ... Soak in a cool Epsom salt bath for about 15 to 20 minutes. ... Elevate your feet, preferably above your heart. ... Get moving! ... Magnesium supplements can be helpful for some people. ... Make some dietary changes. ... Lose weight if you're overweight.More items...
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
Does walking help 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 does swollen feet mean in the 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
Can High BP cause swollen ankles?
Your ankles can swell up after a long flight or from standing up for a long period of time, especially in hot weather. Swollen ankles can occur as a side effect of some high blood pressure medicines, for example calcium channel blockers.
How do you drain fluid from your legs?
There are four main way to treat it:Compression – wearing special clothing or bandages that gently squeeze the part of your body that's affected and encourage the fluid to drain away.Massage – a special type of massage called Manual Lymphatic Drainage encourages the fluid to drain away.More items...•Sep 1, 2018
What foods cause swelling in feet?
Foods that can cause inflammationSugar and high-fructose corn syrup. When there's too much sugar in our system, our insulin tries to store the excess within fat cells, causing them to get larger. ... Artificial trans fats. ... Vegetable and seed oils. ... Refined carbohydrates. ... Alcohol. ... Red meat and processed meat.May 21, 2021
Treatment
There are some home remedies that may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with swollen feet and ankles.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have experienced swelling in your feet and ankles for more than one month, you should see a healthcare provider to have an examination and evaluation to diagnose any underlying causes.
Summary
Swelling in the ankles can result from a variety of different causes and can be managed at home through the use of compression stockings, elevation, monitoring sodium and water intake, diuretic supplements, lymphatic drainage massage, Epsom salts, and changing your medication.
A Word From Verywell
Other than avoiding injury, swelling in the ankles is best prevented by staying active and exercising regularly to maintain good circulation. If you sit or stand for long periods of time, it is helpful to take periodic breaks to walk, which allows the leg muscles to contract and improve blood flow.
How to get rid of swollen feet?
Massage your 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. 10.
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!
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 the body?
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. 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.
Does weight loss cause swelling in feet?
This can result in being more sedentary — which can also cause fluid buildup in the feet. Losing weight can help ease the strain on your feet and possibly reduce foot swelling as well.
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.
How to treat a swollen ankle?
Treatments include: avoiding extended periods of standing or sitting. doing leg, feet, and ankle exercises during long periods of sitting. taking breaks to elevate your feet during long periods of standing. walking and exercising regularly.
What causes swollen ankles and feet?
Blood clots are solid clumps of blood. They can form in the veins of your legs. This hampers blood flow up to your heart and leads to swollen ankles and feet. Often it occurs on one side of your body. Swelling may be accompanied by:
What are the symptoms of swollen feet?
Get immediate medical care if you experience the following symptoms along with swollen feet: unexplained, painful swelling of your feet or legs. warmth, redness, or inflammation at the affected area. swelling that’s accompanied by a fever.
What causes swelling under the skin of the feet and ankles?
Edema is a common condition where excess fluid is trapped in your body’s tissue. This causes swelling and puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin in your feet, ankles, and legs. It can also affect your hands and arms. Other symptoms include:
What causes swelling in the foot during pregnancy?
new foot swelling during a pregnancy. shortness of breath. swelling of only one limb. chest pain, pressure, or tightness. 1. Edema. Edema is a common condition where excess fluid is trapped in your body’s tissue. This causes swelling and puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin in your feet, ankles, and legs.
Why do my feet swell when I sit?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that causes swollen feet due to damaged valves or from standing or sitting for extended periods. This affects blood moving up to your heart from your legs and feet. Blood can collect in the veins of your legs and feet, which leads to swelling. You may experience the following symptoms:
Why do my feet swell up after cancer treatment?
Lymphedema occurs as a result of lymph nodes that are damaged or removed, often as part of cancer treatment. This causes your body to retain lymphatic fluid and can cause swollen feet. Other symptoms may include: a feeling of tightness or heaviness. limited range of motion.
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.
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 help with swelling in ankles?
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. Compression stockings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What causes fluid to build up in ankles?
Heart disease. When your heart struggles to pump blood (heart failure), the body holds on to extra fluid that can build-up in your ankles and other areas. Liver disease. A damaged or diseased liver, such as cirrhosis or severe hepatitis, can cause fluid retention or leakage into certain areas of the body. Kidney disease.
How to reduce swelling in ankle?
To reduce the swelling from a foot or ankle injury, rest to avoid walking on the injured ankle or foot, use ice packs, wrap the foot or ankle with compression bandage, and elevate the foot on a stool or pillow. If swelling and pain is severe or doesn't improve with home treatment, see your doctor.
What to do if you have swelling in one leg?
If you have swelling in one leg, along with pain, low-grade fever, and possibly a change in color of the affected leg, call your doctor immediately. Treatment with blood thinners may be necessary. Learn more about deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Heart, liver, or kidney disease.
Why do my ankles swell in the evening?
Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure. Kidney disease can also cause foot and ankle swelling.
Why do my ankles swell?
Swelling of the ankles and feet is often an early symptom of venous insufficiency, a condition in which blood inadequately moves up the veins from the legs and feet up to the heart. Normally, the veins keep blood flowing upward with one-way valves.
What causes swelling in the ankle during pregnancy?
Learn more about managing a high-risk pregnancy. Foot or ankle injury. An injury to the foot or ankle can lead to swelling. The most common is a sprained ankle, which occurs when an injury or misstep causes the ligaments that hold the ankle in place to be stretched beyond their normal range. To reduce the swelling from a foot or ankle injury, rest ...
What causes fluid to accumulate in the feet and ankles?
Gravity causes fluid to accumulate more in the feet and ankles, but fluid can also accumulate in the abdomen and chest. If your swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor right away. If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911.
Can NSAIDs cause swelling?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) Diabetes medications. If you suspect swelling may be related to a drug you are taking, speak to your doctor. Although the benefits of the drug may be worth enduring some swelling, more severe swelling could make it necessary to change the medication or its dosage.
