Swelling of the ankles can have a number of causes including standing or sitting for long periods of time, pregnancy or age. In general, according to MedlinePlus, swelling of the lower extremities rarely causes pain, but it can be a sign of an underlying medical problem. Depending on the cause of the swelling, treatment may involve the use of hormones, diuretics or steroids. Additionally, other medications may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of the swelling. Certain vitamins may also help reduce swelled ankles; however, check with your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that your body is unable to manufacture without a source from food. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that taking one to two capsules of fish oil daily may help decrease inflammation and improve immunity to decrease the risk of illnesses that can cause swelling of the extremities. Additionally, diets that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been linked with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is one of the primary causes of swelling in the ankles, legs and feet, due to impaired circulation that causes fluid to pool in the extremities.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral used by every organ in the body. This essential mineral plays a role in processes like energy production and the regulation of several other essential nutrients, including calcium. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) explains that magnesium is critical for the health of the cardiovascular system, particularly for individuals who have congestive heart failure. This condition is often characterized by symptoms of poor circulation, including swelling of the ankles, legs and feet. In addition, the UMMC adds that supplemental magnesium may also help swelling in the legs that occurs in women prior to the onset of their menstrual cycle. This swelling is usually associated with premenstrual syndrome, a collection of symptoms related to a woman's monthly hormonal fluctuations.
Calcium
Calcium is the primary mineral that comprises the structure of your bones and teeth. Calcium is also important for cardiovascular health, because it regulates the contraction of the heart and the dilation of blood vessels and arteries, according to the National Institutes of Health. Magnesium and calcium work synergistically to maintain each other's balance; an imbalance of one of these minerals can cause a deficiency of the other. According to the UMMC, calcium may also help decrease the incidence of preeclampsia, a condition in which a pregnant woman experiences dangerously high blood pressure combined with swelling of the legs, ankles and feet. Vitamins administered to pregnant women generally contain calcium supplements, so additional supplementation is usually not necessary.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, is used by your body to facilitate the metabolism of protein and blood. This water-soluble vitamin is also important for the integrity of your immune system, specifically that of the organs that produce lymph. Lymph is the source of white blood cells that help protect your body from invaders such as viruses and bacteria. The UMMC suggests supplemental vitamin B-complex for swelling of the ankles, legs and feet. In addition, vitamin B-6 is important in the health of your immune system and facilitates the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to and from your tissues. This ability can also help draw fluids away from the extremities and protect your body from illnesses that can cause edema.
References
- MedlinePlus: Edema
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Edema
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health: Vitamin B6
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health: Calcium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calcium
