Five Treatments for Swollen Ankles and Feet

4 minutes

Swollen ankles may happen for different reasons. Although some require medical treatment, they can generally improve with some home care. Today we'd like to share some tips to do so.

Five Treatments for Swollen Ankles and Feet

Written by Daniela Echeverri Castro

Last update: 30 May, 2022

Before you select a treatment for your swollen ankles and feet, it’s important to first determine the cause.

Does it have to do with the ligaments? Are you unable to move properly? If so, you must consult your doctor. However, if it’s just a slight injury or due to fluid retention, then try one of these remedies at home.

Swollen ankles and feet are common in older adults and pregnant women. However, they’re also common in athletes and people whose jobs involve physical effort. While it may result from poor circulation, trauma, and infections, swelling it’s almost always mild and can improve if you take some basic measures.

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Treatments for Swollen Ankles and Feet

First, you must determine how severe your symptoms are before you try one of these tips to relieve your swollen ankles and feet. If it’s a specific type of swelling – the kind that happens after you’ve maintained the same posture for a while – then some simple exercises and basic care will suffice.

However, if your symptoms are persistent or you’re in pain and present bruising and walking difficulties, among others, then you must consult a doctor so they can prescribe appropriate treatment. They should be able to determine the type of injury you have with a physical exam and x-rays.

That said, here are some home remedies to take care of poor circulation and swelling at home.

1. Elevate your legs

A woman elevating her legs. — If your job keeps you on your feet most of the time, then simply elevate your legs when you get home. This will reduce your swelling and discomfort.

The best exercise to relieve your swollen ankles and feet is to elevate your legs above your heart. This simple move improves circulation from the lower extremities to the heart, and in turn, reduces swelling.

It’s a great way to get quick relief if you’re numb or in pain.

What to do

Lie on a comfortable surface, such as a bed or a yoga mat, and raise your legs in the direction of the ceiling.
Keep them elevated for 10 to 15 minutes and then bring them down.

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2. Do some moderate exercise

Moderate physical exercise has therapeutic effects on lesions that lead to ankle swelling. In fact, it’s one of the best habits you can have, as it’ll reactivate your blood circulation. It’ll also prevent fluid retention.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that you do at least a couple of hours of moderate activity per week.

What to do

Consult a doctor or physiotherapist about the exercises that’ll best help your specific case if you have an ankle injury.
Avoid high-intensity routines until your injury heals.
Opt for a moderate activity such as walking and swimming. You can also stretch using an elastic band.

3. Resting will help relieve swollen ankles and feet from injuries

A woman giving herself a foot massage. — If the swelling derives from high-impact physical activity, then all you need to do is rest.

While moderate exercise helps relieve swollen ankles, it’s also healthy to rest for a few days. Rest decreases the pressure the weight of your body puts on your ankles. Also, it contributes to muscle relaxation and promotes the recovery of affected tissues.

What to Do

If you recently suffered an injury or sprained ankle, rest for 2 or 3 days.
If you feel pain when resting on your foot, use crutches.

Read also: How to Tell if You’re Retaining Water

4. Apply ice

The application of ice packs can be very useful when treating swollen ankles. Cold temperature has a therapeutic effect because it reduces the levels of inflammation. Its application through a massage will accelerate pain relief and also decrease bruises and muscle spasms.

What to do

Insert several ice cubes in a bag, or wrap them in a clean rag.
Then, gently massage your ankles with it.
Keep it up until you feel numb. Then, rest for two to four hours and repeat afterward.
Do this treatment three or four days until your swelling is under control.

5. Use a bandage for an injured ankle

A woman looking at her bandaged foot. — A doctor may recommend the application of a bandage to reduce swelling and limit joint movement for a while.

Bandaging the affected ankle is a good complement to other treatments to reduce swelling and bruising. Before doing so, you can massage the affected area with anti-inflammatory ointments or oils. Keep the bandage for two or more days, depending on the severity of the swelling.

What to do

To begin, cut a horseshoe-shaped pad from a piece of felt. You can also purchase a pre-make wrap at many stores and pharmacies.
Next, put it around the outside of the swollen ankle.
Then, wrap an elastic bandage making sure it isn’t too tight. Make sure the bandage doesn’t cut your blood flow because it’ll worsen the swelling.

Finally, make an effort to improve your diet and avoid excessive salt intake. The latter will slow down any treatment because it increases fluid retention. Likewise, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and tobacco as much as you can.