Swollen Feet or Ankles - Symptoms and Remedies

Swelling of ankles and feet can be due to various causes and one of these is the accumulation of excessive amounts of fluids in these areas of the body and this is referred to as edema. This occurs when fluid occupies the cellular spaces within the body and this normally affects the legs, feet and ankles. Swelling feet and ankles can also be due to the consumption of certain medications, trauma to these body parts and other underlying health conditions. However, before opting for any treatment or remedy, it would be best to determine the root cause of the problem first.

Causes of Swollen Feet and Swollen Ankles

• Insect bites
• Salt retention
• Long automobile rides or airplane flights
• Consumption of foods with high sodium content and low nutritive value
• Standing or sitting for a long period of time
• Fracture or sprain in the feet or ankle
• History of phlebitis or varicose veins
• Gout and arthritis
• Heart diseases
• Liver or kidney failure
• Blood clots in the lower extremities
• Obstruction of the venous system due to pregnancy or obesity
• Hormone replacement therapy

Treatments for the Condition

Swollen feet or ankles can be easily treated using home remedies and preventive measures. First and foremost, if you are prone to the condition, make sure that you avoid any circumstance that could lead to it. Cutting down the consumption of salt, avoiding sitting or standing for a long period and losing weight by following a healthy diet can all help prevent feet, ankle and leg swelling. Other useful steps against the condition include the following:

• Make use of a leg wedge when sleeping to keep the legs elevated. This can also be used when sitting for a long period.
• Perform leg exercises to prevent fluid from accumulating in the legs.
• Follow a diet that contains low amount of salt to prevent excessive water retention.
• Avoid wearing ill-fitting clothes, particularly around the legs and hips.
• Go for regular walks to strengthen the leg muscles. This can also help prevent fluid from accumulating around the ankles and feet.

These are just some of the most common treatments that can be opted for against swollen feet or ankles. However, if the condition is due to an underlying health problem, it would be best to consult a physician immediately. Various testing might be conducted, such as blood tests, urine analysis and ECG, in order to determine the primary cause of the condition and in order to administer the right treatment for it.

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