Seven Ways to Reduce Swelling in Ankles

Swollen ankles are often a sign of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), an underlying condition when the leg veins can’t efficiently return blood to the heart, leading to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. This condition is common, especially among older adults, and if left untreated, it can cause significant discomfort, including venous ulcers and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Understanding how to manage and reduce swelling in your ankles is crucial to improving your overall health and quality of life.

In this blog, we’ll explore seven effective ways to reduce ankle swelling, with a particular focus on addressing chronic venous insufficiency.

1. Treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency

The most effective way to reduce swelling, varicose veins, and other symptoms caused by CVI is to address the condition itself directly. Office-based treatment options may be necessary for those with moderate to severe CVI.

Procedures for CVI focus on improving blood flow in the veins and preventing further damage to the vein walls. Treatments include:

• Radiofrequency Ablation: This minimally invasive procedure can close off damaged veins, redirect blood flow to healthier veins, and reduce swelling.

• Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): This procedure uses laser energy to close off damaged veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
• VenaSeal and ClariVein: These minimally invasive, non-thermal, and non-tumescent techniques are used to treat diseased veins, offering patients quick recovery with minimal downtime.
• Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.

Tip: Early intervention can prevent the progression of CVI and alleviate symptoms such as swelling. Consult a vein specialist who can tailor a treatment plan to your needs.

Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), America's largest physician-led vein center, offers comprehensive treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. With 110+ centers in 22 states and 70+ active physicians, CVR boasts a 98 percent patient satisfaction rating.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.

2. Elevate Your Legs Regularly

Elevating your legs is a simple yet powerful way to reduce ankle swelling, particularly when it's related to chronic venous insufficiency. Elevation helps reduce the pressure in the veins, allowing fluid to move out of the legs and back toward the heart.

How to Do It: Lie down and raise your legs above the level of your heart. You can use pillows or cushions to support your legs comfortably. Try to elevate your legs for at least 20 minutes several times a day.

Tip: Elevate your legs while you sleep by placing pillows under your feet. This can help prevent overnight swelling and improve circulation.

3. Wear Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are essential for managing CVI and reducing ankle swelling. These specially designed stockings provide graduated pressure on the legs, with the most pressure at the ankles and gradually lessening towards the knees and thighs. This pressure helps the veins push blood back up to the heart and reduces fluid buildup in the legs.

Compression Therapy: Compression stockings are the first line of treatment for CVI. These garments apply pressure to the legs, helping the veins push blood back towards the heart and reducing swelling.

How They Work: By compressing the legs, these stockings help prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities. They are especially useful for people who spend long periods sitting or standing, as these activities can exacerbate swelling.

Tip: Wear the correct compression level recommended by your vein doctor. According to DermNet, a worldwide clinical resource website about dermatology and skin conditions, improperly fitted compression stockings may cause discomfort, trauma, and more harm than good. That’s why it is important to discuss your compression needs with your CVR vein doctor to find the fit that’s right for you.

4. Exercise to Improve Circulation

Regular physical activity is crucial for managing CVI and reducing ankle swelling. Exercise promotes better blood circulation, which helps prevent the blood from pooling in your lower legs.

Best Exercises for CVI:

• Walking: A daily walk is one of the best exercises for improving circulation in the legs. It’s low impact and helps strengthen the calf muscles, which are vital in pumping blood back to the heart.
• Calf Raises: This simple exercise can be done anywhere and helps strengthen the muscles in your lower legs.
• Swimming: The buoyancy of water reduces the pressure on your veins while encouraging movement and improving circulation.

Tip: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Incorporate exercises that focus on the calf muscles, as these muscles are integral to preventing blood from pooling in the legs.

5. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Hydration

A balanced diet and proper hydration are essential for managing CVI and reducing swelling. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall vascular health, while reducing salt intake can help minimize fluid retention.

Why It Matters:

• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water prevents dehydration, which can cause your body to retain more fluid, leading to swelling.
• Low-Sodium Diet: Reducing sodium intake decreases the amount of fluid your body retains, which can significantly reduce swelling in the ankles.

Tip: Incorporate foods rich in bioflavonoids, like citrus fruits and berries, which can strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.

6. Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing

Prolonged sitting or standing can exacerbate the symptoms of CVI, including ankle swelling. When you stay in one position for too long, blood can pool in your lower legs, leading to increased pressure in the veins and fluid buildup.

How to Manage:

• Frequent Movement: If you’re sitting for long periods, try to stand up and walk around every 30 minutes. If standing, shift your weight often and take short walks when possible.
• Leg Exercises: While sitting, perform simple exercises like ankle circles or calf raises to keep the blood moving.

Tip: If your job requires long periods of sitting or standing, consider wearing compression stockings to support your veins and prevent swelling.

7. Seek the Care of a Qualified Board-Certified Vein Specialist

For those with moderate to severe CVI, seeking professional care is crucial for effective management. A board-certified vein specialist can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Why It’s Important: Vein specialists are trained to identify and treat conditions like CVI with advanced, minimally invasive procedures that provide long-term relief. By consulting a qualified specialist, you can more effectively prevent the progression of vein disease and reduce swelling.

Tip: Don’t wait until symptoms become severe—early intervention can significantly improve your vein health and quality of life.

The Nationally Acclaimed Leader in Vein Care: Center for Vein Restoration

The board-certified vein physicians at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) bring expertise in the most advanced vein treatment options available, ensuring safe, effective, and minimally invasive care tailored to each patient’s needs. Dedicated to setting the standard for comprehensive vascular care, CVR consistently innovates to provide compassionate and affordable treatment across the United States, making it the preferred choice for those seeking relief from vein disease.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.