Swollen Feet and Ankles: Treatments to Try

Have you ever looked down at your ankles and feet and barely recognized them as your own because of swelling? It happens, whether it’s from long days on your feet, hours of travel, surgery or pregnancy.

But there are ways to relieve swelling from everyday causes — and sometimes you can even prevent it, says podiatrist Georgeanne Botek, DPM. Kick up your feet for a few minutes to learn how.

What causes feet and ankles to swell?

Swelling (or what doctors refer to as edema) happens when your body retains fluid in your lower legs, ankles and feet. It most often occurs on both sides of your body. The result is uncomfortable and can keep you from moving freely.

Possible causes of swollen feet and ankles include:

• Lifestyle factors, such as inactivity or being overweight.
• Medical conditions that affect the movement of fluid in your body. The list would include diseases targeting your heart, kidneys, liver and veins.
• Pregnancy.
• Shoes that don’t fit right.
• Injuries.

“When it comes to swelling, it’s about management and getting through the day,” Dr. Botek says. “There’s nothing that’s necessarily curative, but you can take steps to ease pain and discomfort.”

How to help swollen ankles and feet

Potential solutions to your swollen feet or ankles could already be in your kitchen cabinet or scattered around your living room. And, if not, a quick trip to the store might be all it takes to find some relief.

Here are a half-dozen easy-to-try home remedies worth some consideration.

Compression socks

A hug sometimes seems like it can make everything better — and that sentiment applies to swollen feet and ankles, too.

Compression socks offer a gentle squeeze to your legs that promotes better blood circulation. This helps prevent fluid from collecting in your ankles and feet, which works to minimize swelling and pain.

Finding compression socks won’t be difficult. They’re widely available at various stores, ranging from pharmacies to shoe retailers and online. They also come in a variety of weights, from light, medium and heavier weight.

Dr. Botek suggests starting with lightweight socks. Be sure you select a pair that isn’t too tight for your body. Put them on in the morning and wear them as long as you remain comfortable.

Elevation

Gravity never stops working. If you have swollen feet or ankles, let gravity work for you.

Elevating your legs above the level of your heart helps drain built-up fluid from your lower extremities, says Dr. Botek. Basically, you give your circulatory system a little assistance by letting gravity do its thing.

Best of all, the process is simple. Just prop up your legs using pillows, books or anything else that’s available. Various yoga poses — such as lying on the floor with your legs raised and pressed against the wall — can also help.

Epsom salt

Fans of Epsom salt baths talk glowingly of the restorative power brought by a 15- to 20-minute tub soak. The fancy title for this treatment, by the way, is transdermal magnesium supplementation.

Is there a ton of science behind the claims of how Epsom salt reduces inflammation and draws out toxins? Not really… but people swear by it. Many doctors promote it, too, given its ease of use, low cost and minimal risk.

Magnesium-rich foods

Water retention and the accompanying swelling can be a sign of a magnesium deficiency, notes Dr. Botek. In that case, adding magnesium-rich foods to your diet could be a tasty solution to your painful problem.

Foods that are high in magnesium include:

• Nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, flaxseed, peanuts and pumpkin seeds).
• Legumes (black beans, lima beans).
• Fiber-rich whole grains (quinoa).
• Low-fat dairy products (milk, yogurt).
• Greens (spinach).
• Dark chocolate.

Magnesium supplements

Supplements offer another way to get a boost of magnesium. Taking 200 mg to 400 mg of magnesium a day may help reduce swelling, Dr. Botek said. (Talk to your doctor before taking the supplement, though — especially if you have a kidney or heart condition.)

Hydrate

So the solution to an issue with retaining fluid is to drink more fluid? As crazy as that sounds, the answer is yes. Here’s why.

Your body naturally holds onto fluids if it senses your tank is running low — and that retention can lead to swelling. Drinking more water also can help flush excess sodium and other waste from your system, Dr. Botek says.

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends that women consume 2.7 liters (91 oz) of water per day from beverages and food. The number is 3.7 liters (125 oz) for men. As a rule of thumb, 80% of that total comes from beverages and 20% from food.

Tips to reduce ankle and foot swelling

Simple lifestyle changes ­— such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr. Botek. She suggested activities such as walking and swimming.

Other recommendations include:

• Increasing your overall movement, as sitting or standing in one place for too long can increase swelling. Just moving your knees and flexing your ankles may help.
• Limit your salt and carbohydrate intake.
• Trying essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender or chamomile.

For best results, try using more than one therapy at a time, Dr. Botek says. For example, if you walk for exercise, maybe use compression socks, too ­— and then make sure to elevate your feet later in the day.

When you should see your doctor

Call your physician if you develop:

• Leg ulcerations.
• Increased pain.
• Blisters.
• Redness.
• Drainage.

Also, monitor your feet. Shoes that are too tight due to swelling can often cut into your skin and create wounds. Plus, those snug shoes restrict circulation, which only serves to increase the problem.

Most importantly, if swelling only occurs on one side of your body, consult your doctor immediately. You could be at risk for deep vein thrombosis.