Remedies for Swollen Feet & Ankles

Here are some effective remedies to reduce swelling in feet and ankles.

Swelling in feet and ankles is common, especially among elderly people. Some of the potential causes of this condition are menstruation, obesity, pregnancy, foot injuries, and old age.

Another cause of swollen ankles is edema, also referred to as peripheral edema. It is caused by abnormal retention of fluids in various parts of the body. Though water retention may occur anywhere in the body, the most common areas are the ankles and legs.

RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) for swollen ankles and feet from an injury, is a tried and tested formula which works to effectively reduce pain and swelling.

This swelling, also known as edema, may occur for other reasons too. The remedy to alleviate the problem depends on the cause.

Alternative Remedies:

Experts have found that several flavonoids aid in reducing the swelling. These flavonoids are water-soluble pigments, which are available in foods and in supplemental form. Hydroxyethylrutoside and Coumarin are the two flavonoids that ease swelling.

According to a study by Chang, Gan, Fu and Huang in Lymphology; Coumarin is effective in treating chronic lymphedema of the legs when the inflicted person takes 400 milligrams per day.

Coumarin is found in lavender, dong quai, licorice, apricots, cinnamon, strawberries, cherries, and sweet clover. However, this home remedy should be used only under the direction of a health care practitioner or physician.

Some common herbs are also used to get rid of water retention in feet and ankles. The herbs include butcher's broom, goldenrod, stinging nettle, dandelion, goose grass, horse chestnut, uva ursi, and parsley.

According to a 1996 study done by RV Cluzan, 150 milligrams of butcher's broom taken two to three times daily is effective in reducing swelling.

Conventional Treatment:

You may use non steroid anti inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for swelling in feet and ankles, caused by injury.

Frequent movement also helps reduce swelling caused by water retention. You should take breaks in between and walk more frequently, and avoid sitting or standing in one place for extended hours.

Reduce your salt intake if you have swollen feet or ankles. As per Dr. P. Ponce, you must limit your salt intake to no more than 2100 milligrams per day to reduce fluid retention and swelling.

You may also consider wearing elastic hosiery and compression socks to reduce swelling in feet and ankles. Check with your health care practitioner to find out which type of treatment is suitable for your type of edema.

Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to flush out the toxins and waste that buildup with edema. If swelling is not caused by an injury, then yoga, bicycle riding and exercise are all excellent ways to encourage blood flow and reduce swelling.

Your doctor may also prescribe medicines to reduce water retention. Diuretics, commonly referred to as water pills, help alleviate swelling caused by water retention.

Try a Natural Supplement - Capisette

Capisette is a natural remedy for fluid retention. It contains the natural diuretic properties available in several herbs and other supplements that are helpful in addressing water retention issues.