From the Guidelines
To reduce ankle swelling, it is essential to follow the PRICE protocol, which includes Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The best approaches to reduce ankle swelling include:
- Elevating the legs above heart level for 20-30 minutes several times daily to reduce fluid accumulation through gravity
- Applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, as suggested by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1
- Wearing compression socks or stockings (15-20 mmHg pressure) to prevent fluid leakage into tissues
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food) or naproxen (220-440mg twice daily) to reduce inflammation, as recommended by the American Family Physician 1 Additionally, limiting salt intake, staying hydrated with water, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting can help reduce ankle swelling. Gentle exercises like ankle circles and foot pumps can also improve circulation. It is crucial to seek medical attention if the swelling is severe, sudden, accompanied by pain, skin changes, or occurs after injury, as it could indicate a more serious condition like a blood clot, infection, or heart/kidney problems.
From the FDA Drug Label
Spironolactone tablets are indicated for treatment of NYHA Class III-IV heart failure and reduced ejection fraction to increase survival, manage edema, and reduce the need for hospitalization for heart failure. Spironolactone tablets are indicated for the management of edema in the following settings: Cirrhosis of the liver when edema is not responsive to fluid and sodium restriction Nephrotic syndrome when treatment of the underlying disease, restriction of fluid and sodium intake, and the use of other diuretics produce an inadequate response.
Reducing Ankle Swelling: To reduce ankle swelling, consider the following:
- Manage edema: Spironolactone can help manage edema associated with heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and nephrotic syndrome.
- Restrict fluid and sodium intake: Reducing fluid and sodium intake can help alleviate edema.
- Use diuretics: Spironolactone is a diuretic that can help reduce edema by increasing urine production. Note: The above information is based on the drug label for spironolactone 2, 2, and 2.
From the Research
Reducing Ankle Swelling
To reduce ankle swelling, several methods can be employed, including:
- Rest, elevation of the foot, and application of ice to reduce swelling, as commonly recommended for ankle sprains 3
- Use of an elastic wrap to provide compression and support to the ankle 3, 4
- Utilization of compression bandaging, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), or elastic tubular bandages to reduce swelling and improve recovery 4
- Wearing a lace-up ankle support or an air stirrup brace combined with an elastic compression wrap to reduce swelling and pain, and to protect the injured ligaments 5
- Early mobilization to speed healing and reduce pain, rather than prolonged rest 5
Additional Considerations
When treating ankle sprains, it is essential to:
- Apply the Ottawa ankle rules to determine whether radiography is needed 5
- Use cryotherapy for the first three to seven days to reduce pain and improve recovery time 5
- Consider pain control options, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and mild opioids 5
- Counsel recovering patients on prevention strategies, including the use of ankle braces and supports, ankle taping, and regular sport-specific warm-up exercises 5
Other Causes of Swelling
In some cases, ankle swelling may be caused by underlying conditions, such as: