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Causes of Swollen Ankles

What can I do for very bad swollen ankles to the point that can barley walk
(27 Oct 2009)

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Although the problem of swollen ankles is not uncommon, there are a number of possible causes including obesity, arthritis and bone spurs. You have not mentioned any additional details and so it would not be easy to rule out any of these causes. However, it is advisable to go to the doctor for a thorough examination.


The doctor would be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment that will help to alleviate the pain as well as treat the underlying cause. However, in the meantime, there are several home remedies that you can make sue of in order to reduce the pain and swelling.

A warm water soak is extremely relaxing and helps to soothe any pain in the joints.


You can do this as soon as you wake up and before you go to bed to ensure that the level of pain that you are experiencing goes down drastically. Soak your feet in a tub of warm water for at least 20 to 30 minutes and make sure that the water covers your ankles. A cold compress is another common method of treatment as it helps to constrict the swollen blood vessels and offers almost instantaneous relief from both the swelling and the pain. Make sure that you do not apply the ice directly to your skin as this extreme cold can cause further damage. Instead wrap the ice cubes in a piece of thick cloth and apply it to your ankles. An easy way to apply a cold compress to your ankles is to put on a pair of thick socks. Put another pair of socks on over these socks and place the ice cubes between the two layers. Make sure that you place the ice cubes around your ankles. You can relax on your couch for the next twenty minutes or so and allow the ice to do the trick!

You should also keep your feet elevated for a period of 20 minutes or so at least once or twice a day. This will promote blood circulation and will prevent swelling. You can also put a bolster under you mattress at night so that your legs are elevated even while you sleep. It may be a bit uncomfortable and you may take a few days to get accustomed to it, but you will also notice that the pain and swelling will be greatly reduced.

Remember that these measures are only temporary and that you will need to visit your doctor in order to treat the underlying cause and get rid of this problem for good.
answered by a on 27 Oct 2009, 6:29:13

 

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