Swollen Ankles

Painless swelling of the ankles and feet is a common problem, particularly among older adults. Other possible causes include hormonal or salt imbalances, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, premenstrual syndrome, varicose veins, extensive burns or sunburn, generalized gonorrhea infection, injury, and insect bites or stings. A number of medications also can cause swollen ankles, including antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, chemotherapy agents, replacement estrogen or testosterone, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen (Nolvadex).

Ankles swell when fluid moves from the capillaries into the surrounding tissue and stays there. If you squeeze a swollen ankle, the fluid will move out of the affected area, and a deep impression may be made that can last for a few moments. In addition to the ankles, the calves or even the thighs may be affected.

Herbal treatments for swollen ankles work over a period of three to six months. Other treatments, such as support stockings, can produce results in three to six weeks, which are then stabilized by the use of herbs. You should call a health-care provider immediately if swollen ankles are accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty speaking, inability to urinate, weight gain of more than six pounds (three kilograms) in three days or less, or an unusually slow or fast heartbeat.

Supplements and herbs

• Butcher's broom ruscogenin tablets. Take 100 mg once daily.
  Particularly effective for burning and itching.
• Gotu kola liposome tablets or capsules. Take 60-120 mg of asiatocides daily.
  Stabilizes tissues supporting veins; increases oxygen transport.
  Gotu kola should not be used if you are trying to become pregnant.
• Hawthorn solid capsules. Take 150-250 mg 3 times daily.
  Strengthens fragile veins; increases tone of muscles supporting veins.
• Horse chestnut aescin tablets. Take up to 150 mg daily.
  Makes blood vessels more elastic.
  Horse chestnut should not be taken internally if you are trying to become pregnant.
• Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) grape seed or pine-bark extract tablets. Take 100 mg daily.
  Improves blood-vessel strength and flexibility.

Additional things you may do

• Take a combination of vitamin C, and 3,000 to 6,000 milligrams of citrus bioflavonoids daily.
• Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time.
• Avoid putting anything directly under your knees when lying down. Do not wear constricting clothing or garters on your upper legs.
• Consult a health-care provider if swollen ankles are accompanied by swelling of the lower legs or feet; muscle or joint stiffness in arms and legs; trembling; problems in swallowing; pain or burning; bleeding, swollen, or tender gums; loss of balance; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; vivid dreams; difficulty in urination; breast discharge; or hair loss.
• A low-salt diet may help reduce fluid retention and decrease ankle swelling.
• Exercising the legs causes the fluid to work back into the veins and lymphatic channels so that the swelling goes down. The pressure applied by elastic bandages or support stockings can also help reduce ankle swelling.

Other beneficial herbs

• Cinchona

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