Are Your Ankles Swollen? Don’t Ignore This Warning Sign

Even though swollen ankles are usually not a reason to worry, in some cases, they may be a warning sign for some serious health problems. But how can you know when you should take action?

Nowadays, a sedentary lifestyle is very common, and it may lead to this issue. But if you start doing exercises, jogging, yoga or any other sport and notice no improvements in your swollen ankles or they even get worse, you should not ignore this warning sign. The sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity can no longer be blamed for this.

Possible Causes of Swollen Ankles

Some of the causes of swollen ankles can be much more serious than no physical activity so you need to pay attention to this issue. In fact, swollen ankles can be a symptom of one of the following conditions:

• Venous insufficiency
• Lymphedema (when your tissues deposit lymphatic fluid)
• Infections
• Heart disease
• Liver conditions
• Kidney diseases
• Prescribed drugs and their side-effects
• Blood clots (when a blood clot in your leg stops the normal return of blood up to the heart, your ankles get swollen)

If you notice that you can’t get rid of swollen ankles even after periods of exercise, you may suffer from one of the conditions mentioned above. Having a pre-existing liver, kidney, or heart problem should determine you to seek medical assistance. Go to your doctor and see if your health problem got worse.

Home Remedies for Swollen Ankles

In the case of a less severe issue, swollen ankles can be treated at home, but this requires a little effort. There are a few changes you should do in your lifestyle, and also some natural remedies you should try.

• Regular exercise

First and foremost, you have to start exercising in order to improve your blood circulation. Just think about it, when you sit down for 8-10 hours per day at work, then come home and sit on the couch watching TV, how can you expect your body to function properly? Take a walk, practice a sport, take yoga classes, and so on. Also, try to get up and make a few steps each 50 minutes, even though you are at work.

• Drink plenty of water

Your body needs liquids to function so you have to drink plenty of water. If you forget to do this while working, place a bottle or glass of water on your desk to remember.

If you consume around 2 liters of water per day, you should drink more during hot summer days.

Also, avoid sweetened beverages. If you like teas, you should opt for those that are homemade.

• Cold Compress

Another way to ease swollen ankles is to apply cold compress on the affected area. All you need is an ice pack and a cotton towel. Wrap the ice in this towel and then place it on your legs.

• Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is an excellent remedy that can ease inflammation, pain, and of course, swelling. In warm bathwater, add 2 cups of the said salt and then soak your ankles in this solution for about 15 minutes.