Swelling of the lower leg and ankle is a common problem. Determining the cause of ankle swelling is the first step to finding effective treatment. Once the cause of the ankle swelling is determined, effective treatment can be initiated. Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, particularly in older people. It may affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs. Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations.

When you severely injure an ankle, that once-quiet joint becomes a hotbed of activity, according to Gary M. Gordon, D.P.M., director of the Running and Walking Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania Sports Medicine Center in Philadelphia. "Nerves, muscles and other tissues become aggravated. Vessels and capillaries tear, leaking blood. More blood rushes to the area to begin the healing process. Fluids accumulate faster than they can be removed, and you have swelling."

Home Remedies for Ankle Swelling

Lift ankle so that the leg is straight in front of you on the sofa or on a chair. Place an ice pack, or ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a clean dish towel on the raised ankle.

Salt Around the time you expect your period, drastically reduce your salt intake. Sodium increases fluid retention, so don't use the salt shaker. And if recipes call for salt, try adding more pepper or another spice instead. But, most importantly, cut down on processed foods and fast foods, all of which are overflowing with salt.

Vinegar To soothe tendinitis, sprains, strains, and general foot aches, alternate hot and cold vinegar wraps. First, heat equal amounts of vinegar and water. Soak a towel in the mixture, wring it out, and wrap it around your foot. Leave it wrapped for five minutes. Then mix equal parts vinegar and cold water and follow the same procedure. Repeat this entire sequence three times.

Elevate the injured area to reduce swelling and promote the draining of fluids. Elevation is especially important if the injury is to an arm or leg.

Boil 1-2 glass of water containing half tablespoon molasses (gud) and one tablespoon saunf, and boil it down to half. Drink this natural homemade drink everyday for 2-3 times. This will reduce swelling of feet during pregnancy.

Bend and pump: Swinging your arms while you walk is a good way to loosen up, but the centrifugal force it creates can make blood pool in your hands, causing swelling. "Try bending your arms 90 degrees at the elbows, and use them as pistons," suggests Dr. Duncan. "Raise them up higher than you normally would and swing with the cadence of your walking gait." While you're doing that, keep your hands loosely open.

Ice should be applied to the sprain immediately for 15mins after every 2hours for 2 days, to reduce bleeding, inflammation and pain.

Drink plenty of water: Water moves through your kidneys and bladder, diluting the urine. And since urine has some fluid-retaining salt in it, the more it's diluted, the easier it is to remove salt and prevent or decrease edema.

Exercise is very important for reducing swelling. Exercise regularly by walking or swimming helps to remove the swelling.