Swollen ankles and feet are quite common these days, and one does not need to worry too much about it. Especially if you have been walking or standing a lot. However, those who have their feet and ankles swollen chronically might need to be a little worried about it. So, here are some of the main causes behind swollen feet and ankles:

• Pregnancy
  A lot of complications occur due to pregnancies and can cause swollen feet and ankles too. Swelling in the feet and the ankles is one of the biggest side effects of pregnancy. In case these are accompanied by abdominal pains, nausea, vision changes and headaches, you need to call your doctor immediately.

• Foot/ankle injury
  Swelling can be easily caused if you have been hurt in your foot or your ankle. In case you have sprained your foot or have had a muscle pull, swelling is the most basic of side effects of the same. Therefore, you need to use ice packs to get rid of the inflammation

• Medications
  Certain anti-depressants, diabetic pills or heart medications can cause your feet and ankles to swell. This is one of the side effects of these medications. Therefore you need to be aware of these consequences before you start taking your medications.

• Blood clots
  In case you have blood clots forming in the veins of your legs or feet, it could be one of the major reasons behind your swollen feet or ankles. Since these clots can block the veins, they might also cause heart attacks and can be life-threatening. Therefore, consult your doctor as soon as you discover you have one of these.

• Infections
  Infections can be one of the reasons behind swollen feet and ankles as well. These infections could either be fungal or occur in the form of sores, blisters, corns or other infections.

• Heart or liver diseases
  Sometimes, swelling of the feet and ankles can be an after effect or an ongoing consequence of a heart, liver or kidney disease. When the kidneys or the liver are not functioning properly, extra fluid can build up inside the body. This leads to swelling in different parts, mainly the feet.

• Lymphedema
  When lymphatic fluids gather in the tissues, they can cause swelling of the feet and the ankles. These usually occur either due to the absence of or problems in the lymph vessels. Lymphs are rich in proteins and travel along the capillaries and vessels. These go through a filtration process through the lymph nodes that then remove unwanted substances. When a problem occurs in these nodes, the movement of the fluids is blocked, and that area becomes swollen.

However, like any other problems, there are solutions to the problem of swollen feet and ankles as well. These are as follows:

• Elevation
  Keeping your feet elevated can help increase the blood flow and reduce the pressure on them. This way, the swelling dials down gradually. This is one of the best treatment methods for sprained feet and ankles.

• Compression socks
  Compression socks are readily available at the nearest drug store. They prevent fluid collection the ankles or the feet. They come in all weights and sizes for treatment of swollen feet and ankles.

• Exercise
  Light movement of the feet can help increase blood circulation. Do not keep standing in one position. This will increase the pressure on that particular area. Try to stretch and extend your feet as much as possible. Swimming is an excellent option since your foot remains elevated; there is movement and zero weight.

• Weight loss
  In case your swelling is chronic, and you are overweight, try to lose a little weight. This can be healthy for you and can also give you relief from the pain and swelling.

• Epsom salt
  Epsom salt is a classic fix for inflammation. You can mix this in warm water and then soak your feet in it for good ten or fifteen minutes.

• Magnesium supplements
  Try to take two hundred to four hundred grams of magnesium supplements in your everyday diet. This can help relieve the pain and limit your water retention. However, before you take the supplements, speak with your doctor and take it in the amount as prescribed by them.

There can be many reasons for swollen feet and ankles. However, in case you have a chronic thyroid, ask your doctor for anti-inflammatories and try to eat and drink herbal remedies since they are natural anti-inflammatory agents. These include herbal teas; herbs like turmeric, sandalwood and various kinds of salts that can help provide relief from the pain.

In case none of these solutions work, you might need to get an X-ray or a scan done to see if you have ruptured a ligament or have a hairline fracture in your foot. Sometimes these might hurt like normal sprains, but should not be ignored, since they can be troublesome in the long run.