Swelling around the ankles and feet can be caused by a number of factors. Some of the most common causes, among others, are:
=> Injury
=> Poor circulation
=> Pregnancy
=> Walking and standing for long periods
=> Certain medications
=> Premenstrual syndrome
=> Rheumatoid Arthritis
=> Swelling of the lymph nodes
=> High blood pressure
=> Poor circulation
=> Pregnancy
=> Walking and standing for long periods
=> Certain medications
=> Premenstrual syndrome
=> Rheumatoid Arthritis
=> Swelling of the lymph nodes
=> High blood pressure
For the most part, swelling of the ankles and feet is simply water retention (also referred to as edema) coupled with gravity. Gravity by nature pushes everything down and the excess water you are carrying is no exception. As gravity pushes it downward it pools in your lower extremities (i.e. ankles and feet). This is typically nothing to worry about. If the swelling in your ankles or feet is accompanied by moderate to severe pain or other new or worsening symptoms, you may want to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
The Symptoms of Water Retention and Swelling
Water retention is the body’s lack of ability to rid itself of excess water resulting in tissues holding on to more than necessary.
Water retention is the body’s lack of ability to rid itself of excess water resulting in tissues holding on to more than necessary.
Some things to look out for when it comes to retaining water and swelling of the ankles and feet are:
=> Noticeable weight gain in a short amount of time, despite diet. There is a direct correlation between the amount of sodium consumed and water retention, which is a reason that overweight people tend to be more susceptible.
=> Pain is also a common symptom of swelling. This pain is typically mild and described as uncomfortable.
=> If you push on the area for a few seconds and your finger leaves a dent or a divet, that is a most definite sign of swelling in the area.
Problems with Pharmaceuticals
Doctor prescribed medications for water retention and swelling of the ankles are available. These specific drugs are called diuretics or “water pills”. However, like any prescription medication out there they are not without their side effects.
Side effects include:
=> Sexual Dysfunction
=> Gout
=> Dizziness
=> Increased urination
=> Unreliable blood test results
=> Increased sensitivity to light
=> Changes in menstruation
=> Gout
=> Dizziness
=> Increased urination
=> Unreliable blood test results
=> Increased sensitivity to light
=> Changes in menstruation
Natural Ways to Treat Ankle Swelling
=> Swimming is a great way to treat edema. The body is no longer under the effect of gravity so the water retained in the ankles will be able to disperse throughout the body, reducing swelling.
=> Relax and try some Yoga to help ease that swelling. There are a lot of yoga positions that are great for reversing gravity and getting that water moving around your body again.
=> Although it may seem counter intuitive, be sure to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. This will help to flush out anything in your body that may be contributing to the swelling. Even better infuse your water with lemon and cucumber. Both of these have anti-inflammatory properties that are sure to not only reduce the inflammation in your ankles but taste refreshing too!
=> Also try SwellNoMore, an all natural supplement that reduces swelling in your ankles and feet with great results!
