Does walking help reduce swollen ankles?
Daniel Johnson
Updated on August 20, 2026
Simple lifestyle changes — such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr. Botek. She suggested activities such as walking and swimming.
How do you get rid of swollen ankles fast?
Swelling in the ankles can result from a variety of different causes and can be managed at home through the use of compression stockings, elevation, monitoring sodium and water intake, diuretic supplements, lymphatic drainage massage, Epsom salts, and changing your medication.
What makes swollen ankles go down?
To reduce the swelling from a foot or ankle injury, rest to avoid walking on the injured ankle or foot, use ice packs, wrap the foot or ankle with compression bandage, and elevate the foot on a stool or pillow. If swelling and pain is severe or doesn't improve with home treatment, see your doctor.
How do you get rid of fluid on your ankles?
Home Care
- Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.
- Exercise your legs. ...
- Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
- Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).
- When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around.
What is the most common cause of swollen ankles?
Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations. Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age.
39 related questions foundCan swollen ankles be serious?
In some cases, ankle swelling is the result of a more serious underlying vascular condition. Some forms of ankle swelling need immediate medical attention and may require medical intervention.
How do I get rid of fluid in my ankles and feet?
Here are 10 to try.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. ...
- Buy compression socks. ...
- Soak in a cool Epsom salt bath for about 15 to 20 minutes. ...
- Elevate your feet, preferably above your heart. ...
- Get moving! ...
- Magnesium supplements can be helpful for some people. ...
- Make some dietary changes. ...
- Lose weight if you're overweight.
Can dehydration cause swollen ankles?
“Usually, individuals who suffer from heaviness and leg swelling make the mistake of not drinking enough water – says Dr. Marco Setti, Head of Vascular Surgery at Humanitas Gavazzeni. Instead, it is necessary to introduce fluids into the body by eating lots of vegetables and fruits as well as drinking natural water.
What causes fat ankles?
What Causes Cankles? Cankles can form due to a variety of reasons: Genetics can influence the distribution of fat within the body, predetermining the likelihood of developing cankles. Weight gain as a result of diet or pregnancy could lead to cankles developing due to the increased size of fat cells at the ankles.
What foods to avoid when you have swollen feet?
To reduce swelling all over your body, podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross near Rockville, MD recommends that you avoid fast food, potato chips and packaged sweets. Watch out for sneaky sources of sodium like condiments, sauces and canned food. Fruits and veggies are a staple of a bloat-free diet.
How long should I elevate my feet to reduce swelling?
The more the swelling and the longer there has been swelling, the longer and more frequently your need to elevate your legs. Start with 20 minutes twice a day. This might do the trick. If not, go to 30 minutes or even an hour.
What naturally reduces swelling?
Some of the best sources of omega-3s are cold water fish, such as salmon and tuna, and tofu, walnuts, flax seeds and soybeans. Other anti-inflammatory foods include grapes, celery, blueberries, garlic, olive oil, tea and some spices (ginger, rosemary and turmeric).
Will cankles go away?
Unfortunately, cankles are not easy to get rid of. Even with diet, exercise, and weight loss, many people suffering from this condition have been unsuccessful in eliminating the appearance of cankles. For those who would like to correct this unflattering condition, Dr. Dubrow offers cankle reduction surgery.
Why do ankles get thicker with age?
One of the most common foot and ankle symptoms in older people is edema, the medical term for the swelling of tissues. Edema is often caused by poor circulation, leading the build-up of fluid in the lower extremities (especially the ankles and feet).
Why do my ankles swell when I walk?
When you are on your feet a lot, gravity pulls blood into the veins of your legs, and some of the water in the blood enters the tissues of your legs and feet, causing them to swell. But there are also some conditions that can cause similar swelling because they affect the movement of fluids within the body.
Can high blood pressure cause swollen ankles?
Causes of swollen ankles
This is caused by a whole range of things which include: High blood pressure. High salt intake.
How do I stop my ankles from swelling when I sit?
Raising the legs above the heart at day's end can help bring decrease swelling. Also, sleeping with a pillow under your legs may help. If you have to sit for work for hours on end, take breaks and get up to move around. Doctors also recommended that people reduce their salt intake.
How do you get rid of water retention overnight?
How To Get Rid Of Water Retention Overnight: Beat Bloat With...
- Decrease Sodium Intake.
- Cut Back On Refined Carbs.
- Drink More Water.
- Take Supplements. Chromium Picolinate. Potassium Citrate.
- Exercise.
- Eat Potassium Rich Foods.
- Manage Stress Levels.
- Take Electrolytes.
How can you tell if your ankle is swollen and your heart is related?
Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Swelling (edema) in your lower legs is another sign of a heart problem. When your heart doesn't work as well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in your legs. This causes fluid to build up in your tissues.
Do compression socks help with cankles?
One of the highly recommended compression socks for cankles is the GCTech brand. These particular socks are specifically designed in order to help you with treatment and support for those who are frequently on their feet.
Does hemorrhoid cream help cankles?
Hemorrhoid cream: Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams can temporarily firm and tighten the skin. This isn't a good long-term fix and should only be used occasionally, but it can be a quick help if you're dressing up for a night out.
How do you get rid of cankles naturally?
Weight training also helps tone your muscles, improving your appearance and fighting age-related muscle loss.
- 5 cankle-reducing calf exercises. Weighted calf raises. ...
- Stair calf raises. Share on Pinterest. ...
- Seated calf raises. Share on Pinterest. ...
- Lunge calf raise. Share on Pinterest. ...
- Jumping rope. Share on Pinterest.
Is coffee good for inflammation?
Coffee contains active compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce low grade inflammation and protect against certain diseases.
Does exercise reduce inflammation?
One moderate exercise session has a cellular response that may help suppress inflammation in the body. It's well known that regular physical activity has health benefits, including weight control, strengthening the heart, bones and muscles and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
Does drinking water reduce inflammation?
Inflammation. Health experts recommend that a diet rich in anti-oxidants as well as staying hydrated with enough water are great ways to reduce inflammation in the body. Water is specifically recommended because it can flush toxins and other irritants out of the body.