Swollen ankles: causes and remedies

A pervasive disorder today is suffering from swelling in different parts of the body, which could have many causes and, in some cases, can lead to serious health problems. For this reason, you must visit a doctor if you notice that your body is swollen, mainly in the extremities, that is, the feet or the hands.

It is a common disorder that the ankles swell, and, generally, it is not usually a cause for concern since it can appear if you take long walks or if you did not rest your legs for a long time; however, if other symptoms accompany this alteration, you must be extremely careful. This is why at FastlyHealwe want you to find out everything about swollen ankles: causes and remedies.

Foot or ankle injury, a cause of swelling

Injuries to the extremities of the body are prevalent. In addition to causing discomfort due to pain, the most common symptom is swelling in the area, which is why an injury to the foot or ankle can cause swelling in this place.

Sprains are pervasive disorders that happen when you make a wrong movement or misstep, and the ligaments, which support the ankle, stretch more than usual. Generally, you should bandage the area and rest your foot, although you must visit a doctor if you are injured.

Lymphedema makes your ankles look swollen.

Lymph is a protein-filled fluid in the body, which surrounds the tissues and moves through the vessels in the lymphatic system and into the blood vessels. Then lymphedema is called the disorder in which there is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues. Its origin could be due to problems in the lymphatic vessels, an absence of them, or it may happen after removing the lymph nodes.

These alterations can block the movement of the fluid, causing it to accumulate and causing swelling. This must be treated immediately since it can bring you different complications, so you must visit a specialist.

In the following article, we will talk about the benefits of lymphatic drainage to improve health.

Blood clots encourage parts of the body to swell.

It is possible that on certain occasions, you may develop blood clots that form in the veins, and in this way, the blood flow is partially blocked, that is, the return of blood from the legs to the heart, in this way causes swelling on the feet and ankles.

Blood clots can be superficial, which occur in the veins but just under the skin, or deep, known as deep vein thrombosis. In the latter case, one or more of the central veins in the legs can be blocked and are life-threatening since they can detach and reach the lungs or the heart. This is why you should consult your doctor immediately if you have swollen feet or ankles and it is accompanied by discomfort in the area.

Venous insufficiency, another reason for swelling

If you have swollen ankles, you may suffer from venous insufficiency, which is the earliest symptom of this disorder. This alteration is characterized by the blood that moves following a flow inadequately. Under normal conditions, the veins are in charge of keeping the blood circulating upwards with valves, but if these are damaged or weakened, the blood leaks down. It is retained in the tissues, causing swelling in the extremities, mainly the feet and ankles.

This disorder can cause skin changes, ulcers, or infections. Risk factors for venous insufficiency are age, obesity, being tall, and a family history of venous insufficiency or venous thrombosis. The main symptoms include swelling in the feet, legs, and ankles, pain that worsens when standing, itching and tingling in the legs, and redness. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you must see a doctor.

Kidney, liver, or heart disease, causing fluid retention

In some cases, swelling in the ankles can be related to kidney, liver, or heart disease. This happens when your body suffers from retention of salt and water, which could happen to you due to a heart disorder on the right side of the heart.

Kidney diseases can also cause swelling in your feet and ankles since the kidneys do not work correctly, causing fluid to accumulate in your body. In addition, in some liver disorders, the production of the protein called albumin can be altered, which is responsible for preventing blood from escaping into the surrounding tissues of the blood vessels.

Remedies for swollen ankles

You must consult a specialist if you have swelling in the ankles so that they can identify the correct cause and give you the most appropriate treatment; However, there are some home remedies for swollen ankles that can help, for example:

• The dandelion is a plant highly recommended if you suffer from fluid retention because it has a diuretic and cleansing action. For this, it is recommended that you prepare an infusion and drink it three times a day or apply it to the swollen area using a cloth. Learn the health benefits of dandelions.
• Cold compresses applied to the affected area can help since low temperatures are ideal for reducing inflammation. You can use whatever you have on hand, but you must not apply it directly to the skin and do it with a towel or cloth, leaving it to act for 15 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day.
• The Epsom salts are a very effective remedy in favor deflate ankles and, if required, feet as they improve circulation and remove ailments. For this, use a bowl of warm water, add Epsom salts, and soak your feet for 20 minutes, making sure the water covers your ankles.
• Chamomile is another excellent home remedy that can benefit significantly if you have swollen ankles, thanks to its desinflamantes properties. You should only make an infusion with this plant and soak your feet for no more than 30 minutes in the liquid when it is cold.
• The oils and tonics are excellent options if you have swollen ankles and feet. You only have to grind two cloves with a cinnamon stick, and when both are powder, add 100 mg of olive oil and mix all the ingredients. Then, you should heat the combination and let it cool to filter the liquid and apply it every night, gently massaging yourself in circular movements.

To help eliminate swelling in the ankles, it is also recommended that:

• Eliminate salt from your diet.
• Rest your legs when you are standing for a long time.
• When you are at rest, raise your legs.
• Perform moderate exercise.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Swollen Ankles: Causes and Remedies, we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints, and Muscles category.