Treatment Options For Swollen Ankles

Swollen ankles are easy to come by. Whether you slip on some ice or even just take one wrong step, your ankle can suffer and end up swelling. Sometimes, these cases may actually be a sign of a bigger health problem. For instance, individuals who have problems with their liver may notice their ankles and feet swell. The same can be said for individuals who have a blood clot. However, typically, swollen ankles are merely a cause for a misstep or a small accident. They can be slightly painful and unsightly, unfortunately, so finding measures to treat them are critical. This article will go over methods individuals can use to treat a swollen ankle.

Supportive Compression Socks

An easy way to make sure your ankle and foot don't swell a lot is to use supportive compression socks. These can be easily acquired at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. Compression socks are extremely easy to use and can offer pain relief as well as keep fluid from collecting in the ankle and foot. Since there are many different kinds of socks available, it's recommended to wear a lightweight compression sock to start. If you choose to go overboard and go straight for a heavyweight compression sock, you might end up cutting off the circulation to your foot. Numbness in the foot is a sign of circulation having difficulty in reaching the lower extremity. The goal is to reduce the flow not necessarily prevent it. Since you could lose your foot if the compression is too tight, exercise caution.

Rest The Ankle

Sometimes recovery can be as simple as just letting the ankle rest. Depending on how the swollen ankle came to be, the muscles and ligaments of your ankle could have been strained, thus causing inflammation. Once it has received a proper amount of rest to heal and recover, the swelling will go down. A way to help speed up the recovery and rest the ankle properly is to elevate it. Whether you have to stack a few books with a cushion on top or recline your seat back a bit more, make sure your foot is at a good elevation compared to the rest of your body. This can help limit the amount of fluid that ends up clogged in your ankle and foot. You may even find it beneficial to help your ankle rest by applying a warm salve to the area. This can promote the body to heal faster and relax. In so doing, the swelling might just become reduced, too.