SWOLLEN FEET AND ANKLES: TIPS TO REDUCE PAIN

WHY DO FEET AND ANKLES SWELL?

There are many causes that lead to swelling of feet and ankles. The most common causes of ankle and foot swelling are sprained ankles, pregnancy, congestive heart failure, obesity, osteoarthritis, cirrhosis, Achilles’ tendonitis, PMS, and deep vein thrombosis, among others. This condition is also called oedema, although that is a more general term that is described as an excess of watery fluids collecting in the tissues and cavities of the body.

HOW TO REDUCE THE PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH SWELLING

Some of the tips many doctors suggest are:

• Massage: Gently rubbing the affected area increases circulation and relieves inflammation, which is often the culprit behind swollen ankles and feet, particularly if they are caused by an injury or a sprain.
• Elevation: If you elevate your feet, you are essentially having gravity work for you and eliminate the excess water in your feet and ankles. The liquid will slowly drain out and be absorbed back into the body or eliminated as urine.
• Yoga: Yoga is known to rebalance the body’s metabolism, boost hormone and homeostatic alignment, and improve circulation. It is also a great way to get active without excessive strain, and it improves flexibility. All of these things can help alleviate the symptoms of swollen feet and ankles.
• Compression Socks: These tight-fitting socks essentially prevent liquid from accumulating in your feet and ankles by applying enough pressure and preventing excess room.
• Salt Water Soaks: Soaking your feet in salt water, even though salt is one of the main causes of water retention, is actually a great way to reduce swelling. Epsom salt baths are anti-inflammatory and can relieve pain and discomfort, which commonly accompanies swollen feet and ankles.

HOW TO PREVENT SWELLING IN ANKLE AND FEET

Some methods to prevent swelling from occurring are:

• Reduce Salt Intake: When there is an excess of salt in your diet, your body holds water in much higher concentrations and your desire to urinate will decrease. That excess water is often stored in your ankles and feet, causing the swelling.
• Exercise: Activity will increase circulation in the body and prevent blood and water from gathering in the lower extremities.
• Drinking More Water: The cause of your swollen ankles and feet may be excess water, but if your salt content is high, it needs to be properly balanced out and eliminated. Drinking more water can drive urination, and rebalance your blood and fluid levels in the body; water also flushes out toxins and supports overall health.
• Magnesium Supplements: Magnesium is closely linked to kidney function and health, which is why those who suffer from chronic oedema commonly have magnesium deficiencies.

WHY KIMS?

KIMS, one of the best orthopaedic hospitals in Hyderabad, has the area’s most experienced team of orthopaedic surgeons. No matter how simple or complex your condition, our team of best bone specialist doctors in Hyderabad has the expertise to help from diagnostics to the most advanced non-surgical and surgical procedures. Even patients with simple problems such as swollen legs and ankles find their solutions at KIMS – one of the best orthopaedic specialist hospitals in Hyderabad.