Ankle swelling may occur for various reasons. Medical conditions, such as heart failure or liver failure cause swelling in both ankles. Medications may also cause the edema to occur. Often pregnant women experience swelling of the lower extremities, including the ankles. An injury to an ankle causes the injured joint to swell due to the tissue damage. Treatment for ankle swelling differs depending on if the cause is from a medical condition or if the edema stems from an injury.
Treatment for Painless Swelling in the Ankles
Step 1
Consult a physician to determine the cause of the edema in your ankle. Additional medical testing may need to occur to treat the condition causing the swelling.
Step 2
Decrease salt intake in your diet, because eating a high sodium diet causes swelling in the tissues.
Step 3
Increase your water intake. Drinking larger amounts of fluid helps pull the extra fluid from the tissue and excretes it through the urinary tract.
Step 4
Wear medical support hose. Purchase them at a drug store or medical supply store. These help provide resistance to fluid attempting to pool in the lower extremities.
Step 5
Exercise the legs to increase circulation. This helps pump the fluid back up to the trunk of the body and out of the legs, according to Medline Plus.
Step 6
Take a load off the feet. Lie down and prop feet above heart level.
Treatment for Swelling Due to Ankle Injuries
Step 1
Rest the affected ankle. Do not place unnecessary weight on the leg or ankle. Decrease normal activity to a minimum.
Step 2
Ice the ankle. Placing ice to the affected area helps decrease swelling in the joint. Use ice in a plastic bag or a reusable ice pack on the ankle. Be sure to put a thin towel or cloth between the ice and the skin so frostbite or injury to the skin does not occur. Leave the ice in place for 20 minutes and remove for 40. Cycle the ice pack this way for the first couple of days after the injury.
Step 3
Wrap the injured ankle in an elastic bandage. The wrap needs to be tight enough to compress the ankle, but light enough so blood circulation to the foot is not restricted. Check that the toes do not turn blue or cold, while the wrap is in use.
Step 4
Elevate the injured ankle. Raising the foot above waist level helps reduce swelling and pain, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Things You'll Need
- Support stockings
- Ice pack
- Elastic bandage wrap
