How to Get Rid of Swollen Ankles

Swelling in any part of the body is known as edema. It is caused due to abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin, or in one or more cavities of the body. Edema occurs in specific organs, and are a part of inflammation. In some organs swelling is caused due to tissue specific mechanisms. Peripheral edema is the swelling of the tissues, which often happens in the lower limbs, due to accumulation of fluids. This is a common condition, which is associated with aging, but there are many other conditions, which can also give rise to this condition. Swollen ankles due to fluid retention can be caused, because of congestive heart failure, alcoholism, altitude sickness, pregnancy, hypertension, trauma, injury to the ankle, ligament or sitting or standing for an extended period, without moving. In some cases peripheral edema can also be caused by some medications. In this article, we will read on how to get rid of swollen ankles.

How to Get Rid of Swollen Ankles and Feet

Most of us suffer from swollen ankles and feet after flying long distance. Therefore, we are all faced with the question how to get rid of swollen ankles after flying. More often than not, when we are flying, we do not move our legs, which causes swelling. Hence, it is important, that one walks around, even during the flight. This will help to increase blood flow to the lower limbs, and decrease the swelling in your legs. However, make sure you walk around a little and not stand, as standing for an extended period will be of no use and may aggravate the condition. Even when you are sitting, it is recommended, that you flex and point your toes and heels every few minutes. Like walking, pointing and flexing your toes and heels will also improve blood circulation to the feet and ankles and help in getting rid of swollen ankles and feet.

A number of pregnant women suffer from swollen ankles and feet. Pregnant women are expected to sit with their legs kept on an elevation. If you have been recommended bed rest, then you should place a couple of pillows below your feet, so that your feet are at an elevation and swelling is reduced. If you still wonder, how to get rid of swollen ankles when pregnant, then the next option can be to sit in a recliner in the full reclined mode. This will also work the same as sitting on a bed with a few pillows under the feet and help in getting rid of swollen ankles in pregnancy.

Applying ice pack on the swelling can also help to get rid of swelling. Like ice pack, one can also use vinegar to soothe the condition. You will have to mix vinegar and water in same quantity and heat it. Soak a towel in the vinegar water mixture, wring it out, and wrap it around your foot. Leave the compress for about 5 to 6 minutes and remove the compression. Then, mix vinegar and cold water in the same manner and use the same procedure. You will have to repeat the entire sequence three times.

You may want to know, how to get rid of swollen ankles with the help of different exercises. This is a simple exercise. Sit on a carpet and stretch the right leg in front of you. Lift the leg off the floor and rotate it 10 to 15 times in clockwise direction and about 10 to 15 times in anti-clockwise direction. Repeat the same on the other leg as well. This will help in reducing the swelling of feet and improve blood circulation.

If you are of the opinion, that you need some medication to get rid of the condition, then diuretic is the answer to the problem. Diuretic will help to get rid of excess water in the body. When you take a diuretic, it is recommended, that you also eat a banana, as it will help you to get rid of potassium from the body as well. With this article, on how to get rid of swollen ankles, I hope you got to know a few methods to get rid of edema.