Remedies for Swollen Ankles

we mean the abnormal thickening of the soft tissues surrounding the malleolus of the feet.
In addition to a simple blemish, swelling of the ankles can sometimes be the result of a more serious dysfunction.
In some cases the condition is asymptomatic; in others it is associated with local pain, sensation of heat and redness.
The physiological or pathological mechanisms that determine the swelling of the ankles are:

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Water retention and edema.
Reactions to animal stings or bites and contact with toxic plants.
Allergic reactions.
Trauma.
Rheumatic diseases.

The material published is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Swollen Ankles; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.

non-inflammatory. Edema is the stagnation of fluids in the interstitial spaces. It could be caused by:

Alteration of the composition of body fluids (plasma and interstices). This can happen in the presence of:

Serious diseases: metabolic pathologies (gout, diabetic lymphedema, etc.), hepatic insufficiency, renal insufficiency and heart failure. The resolution of swollen ankles, although generally of secondary importance, occurs with the pharmacological compensation of the disease (or with surgery).
Hormonal imbalances, for example of thyroid hormones, estrogen, progesterone etc. Some are transient (as in climacteric syndrome), others definitive (eg hypothyroidism). Most of them can be cured by taking specific drugs.
Sodium abuse: Sodium has a very strong osmotic power and can accumulate in interstitial fluids by retaining a lot of water (swelling). The only solution is a combination of a low sodium diet and improved circulation.
Use of calcium channel blockers: These antihypertensive molecules can cause edematous swelling of the ankles. If the swelling is excessive, the doctor may choose to change the drug therapy.

Edema caused primarily by vascular diseases, especially of the venous return. At the level of the lower limbs, when the blood flow does not return properly, there is a stagnation of fluids that accumulate in the ankles. The elderly, the obese, sedentary and pregnant women are particularly prone to this phenomenon. To combat this adverse reaction it is necessary:

If you are overweight, lose weight.
Increase the level of physical activity.
Practice draining massages.
Facilitate drainage by placing the legs on pillows higher than the body.
If other clinical signs are present, ensure that no vascular thrombus is involved.

In the presence of pain accompanied by a worsening of joint mobility (also of other joints) it may be necessary to carry out specific investigations for rheumatic diseases (for example "rheumatoid arthritis). The main methods are: radiographs, magnetic resonances, genetic analyzes, blood measurement of inflammation etc.

If the outcome is positive, start a specific therapy (drugs, physiotherapy, infiltrations etc; different according to the disease).

Swollen ankles can be the result of an animal sting or bite, or contact with a toxic plant. In this case, it is necessary to apply a specific drug and / or go to the emergency room.

Equally evident is the swelling of an ankle due to an infection. Following the infection of a wound it can swell a lot.

An "other possible cause is allergic reactions; in this case, remission varies according to severity. When symptoms become systemic, it is necessary to use an antihistamine product and seek immediate assistance.

The most frequent cause of swollen ankles is trauma (contusion, sprain, fracture, tendonitis, etc.). Then:

Take an x-ray to check for any bone fractures. If positive, the ankle will be immobilized and cold packs applied.
Perform an ultrasound to check for any tendon and ligament injuries. In case of positivity, the ankle could be bandaged in a more or less rigid way. Sometimes, the therapy involves the application of hot packs, tecartherapy, CO2 laser therapy, etc.
In case of contusion, cold compresses and anti-inflammatory / pain-relieving ointments are sufficient.

, laser, etc.).

Follow a sodium-rich diet.

Do not tell your doctor if swollen ankles have appeared after starting drug therapy for hypertension.

Becoming or staying overweight.

Become or remain sedentary.

Neglecting the practices of self-massage and positioning of the legs at the top.

Expose yourself to animal bites or stings, or to contact with toxic plants and do not apply specific ointments.

Exposing yourself to allergenic factors and, after contact, do not take specific drugs or do not go to the emergency room.

After a wound, in the doubt of an infection, do not medicate it and / or do not take prescribed antibiotics.

Neglecting traumas, of whatever kind they are.

, which causes a slowdown in renal filtration and indirectly increases the concentration of waste, toxins and sodium.

Follow a low-sodium, high-potassium diet. Potassium is the main intracellular cation while sodium is extracellular. An excess of sodium or a deficiency in potassium creates the movement of fluids from inside the cells to the outside. Furthermore, the right amount of potassium positively affects the metabolic regulation of sodium. Let's not forget that taking certain drugs against hypertension (diuretics) increases the excretion of potassium.

Follow a diet low in additives and other "useless" molecules that can have an osmotic effect.

In case of type 2 diabetes mellitus, follow a specific diet trying to control blood sugar.

In the case of gout, try to avoid foods rich in purines in excessive quantities (even if nowadays drugs are able to compensate for the disease without the need for large nutritional restrictions).

In case of impaired liver and kidney function, follow the specific diet.

In case of climacteric syndrome, increase the consumption of foods containing phytosterols (phytoestrogens); these help compensate for transient hormonal change.

In case of inflammatory diseases (for example rheumatoid arthritis), increase the intake of foods containing anti-inflammatory molecules: omega 3, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium and polyphenolic substances (simple phenols, flavonoids, tannins) .

Ultimately it is recommended to:

For everyone (especially those who follow a diet rich in food additives): prefer fresh foods.
For those who consume too much sodium:

Go for foods without sodium glutamate or baking soda.
To get used to the bland taste it is possible to make use of spices and aromas.

For diabetics: eat meals with a moderate glycemic load. Foods rich in carbohydrates must have a low glycemic index: whole grains, legumes, little or medium sweet fruits.
For those with climacteric syndrome: consume soy regularly.
For those who need to increase the omega 3: blue fish, algae, krill oil, some oil seeds and respective oils (flax, almonds, kiwi, grape seeds, etc.).
For those who need to increase antioxidants: the aforementioned vitamins and polyphenols are mainly contained in fruits and vegetables. Zinc and selenium in products of animal origin and dried fruit. Remember that most of the molecules endowed with biological action can be compromised by temperature. With regard to salts, on the other hand, they tend to disperse especially in the midst of liquids.

rich or sodium-based: table salt, soy sauce and other sauces.

Foods rich in sodium:

Preserved meats: sausages, cured, smoked, canned etc.
Bivalve molluscs and preserved fish: clams, mussels, oysters, salted, canned etc.
Cheeses.
Canned legumes and vegetables.
Packaged snacks and baked goods.
Fast food in general.
Sodium bicarbonate.
Nut or foods rich in sodium glutamate (packaged, Chinese food etc).

Foods rich in additives: packaged and long-life foods. Colored, flavored, sweetened snacks and drinks etc.

In case of type 2 diabetes mellitus: large portions of foods containing refined flours, syrups and sweet drinks, large portions of very sweet fruit, large portions of potatoes, etc.

In case of gout: offal, blue fish, bivalve molluscs, dried meat and concentrated sauces etc.

Alcoholic beverages: wine, beer, spirits and liqueurs; they are often responsible for impaired liver function.

slimming: for overweight subjects, weight reduction is essential in reducing swelling of the ankles.

Motor activity: motor activity stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. Furthermore, it has a direct effect on improving venous return. The contractions cause a shortening and increase in the section of the muscles; these, pressing repeatedly against the veins, help to improve the flow of blood contained within them.

Draining massages: can be performed by third parties or by the person himself. In people suffering from poor circulation they can be very useful, as long as they are carried out regularly and consistently.

Position the legs high: promotes venous return. This practice should be done every evening for a considerable time; the same effect can be achieved by placing a lift under the heels throughout the night.

Choose comfortable shoes and avoid high heels.

Use elastic compression stockings: by exerting pressure from the bottom up, they promote venous return.

Herbal medicine: all plants and parts of them that improve circulation are suitable. Some are taken as food, others as decoctions or extracts:

Butcher's broom or butcher's broom.
Gotu kola.
Horse chestnut.
Witch hazel.
Ginkgo biloba.
Blackberry.
Currant.
Red grapevine.

Topical cosmetics: some over-the-counter products contain anti-inflammatory active ingredients, vasoprotectors, vasodilators, antioxidants, anti-edema, decongestants, etc.

joints, allergic reactions, infections etc.
If the swelling is caused by overweight, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy or an individual predisposition, there is no specific drug therapy.