Swollen feet and ankles are a particularly common problem. The medical name for this condition is oedema and this occurs when fluid is retained outside of the cells of the body. Feet and ankles normally swell up when there is something wrong with the foot itself, such as a sprain or fracture, or this may be associated with surgery, high blood pressure, being overweight, during pregnancy or due to excessive salt in our diet. These are just some of the main reasons for swollen feet and ankles.

Gravity pulls fluids down to the legs and ankles and under normal circumstances the contraction of muscles in the legs compresses the veins and helps counteract gravity by moving blood back to the heart. Inactivity and the way you sit can contribute to fluids moving from the blood into the surrounding tissues.

In addition to the swelling, inactivity greatly increases the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins within the muscles. The biggest concern with the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins is the risk that this clot may dislodge and shoot to the lungs. If the clot is big enough then this can be fatal.

Here are my tips for those who suffer from swollen feet:

• Get Moving – get into the habit of moving around whether at home or whilst on an airplane. This will help to get the circulation working and thus prevent water retention in the legs and ankles.
• Stay Hydrated – dehydration causes the constriction of blood vessels leading to the forcing of fluids into the extracellular spaces between cells leading to retention particularly in the lower limbs. Reduce beverages containing caffeine as they contribute to dehydration. Taking electrolytes in the form of Electrolyte Fix Liquid helps to stay hydrated since these specific minerals regulate water balance in the body. 
• Reduce Salt Intake – many of the foods we eat already contain salt naturally as well as in many cases salt is added to ready-made meals. Salt causes you to retain water in the body and aside from causing swelling it puts a burden on the heart and kidneys.
• Massage – regularly massage your legs and ankles with Pure Magnesium Oil Spray mixed in with your body lotion or a light base oil such as grapeseed oil will help not only to alleviate pain but enhance your circulation. Alternatively use Work It Out by Temple Spa which is a bathing and massage oil with essential oils to enhance circulation or when you have sore muscles. 
• Supplement – with Diosmin Plus which contains a comprehensive blend of herbs and nutrients that work to enhance circulation as well as strengthening the veins and the valves within these veins preventing fluids from accumulating in the lower limbs. Diosmin Plus also helps to reduce inflammation within the arteries and veins which can result in the loss of fluids into the spaces between cells outside of the circulatory system. It is for these reasons that Diosmin Plus is suitable for use with many vascular disorders such as varicose veins, spider veins, haemorrhoids, cold hands and feet and other circulatory disorders.

Assuming that you have checked with your GP that there are no underlying medical reasons for your swollen legs and ankles then the use of remedies such as Diosmin Plus together with the appropriate strategies mentioned above should help to relieve this concern quickly and safely.

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions and information expressed in this article and on Victoriahealth.com Ltd are those of the author(s) in an editorial context. Victoriahealth.com Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or for any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in this editorial or anywhere else on the site. Every effort is made by the editorial and content team to see that no inaccurate or misleading information, opinion or statement appear, nor replace or constitute endorsement from medical bodies or trials unless specified. Victoriahealth.com Ltd accept no liability for the consequences of any inaccurate or misleading data, information, opinion or statement. Information on Victoriahealth.com Ltd and in the editorials is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this website or in the editorials for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease, or for the replacement of prescription medication or other treatment.