You have not mentioned what brought on this swelling and inflammation, so it is difficult to suggest a remedy with any degree of certainty. Swelling and inflammation can have numerous causes, ranging from infections to insect bites, and from injuries to systemic diseases. If you are not sure why your foot is swollen, you should simply go to a doctor right away. Your doctor will probably be able to diagnose the problem by examining your foot. If on the other hand you know the cause, you can try some of the following remedies, depending on which one is suitable.
If you have suffered an insect bite, ice is one of the best remedies. You can also mix some salt in water and rub this solution on your foot. Vinegar is also supposed to be good for insect bites, and this too can be applied after mixing it with equal amounts of water. Vinegar is also a good cure for fungal infections, so if what you have is essentially a skin infection caused by a fungus, the vinegar solution should work. In addition, for any infection you need to keep your skin clean and dry at all times. You could also try dusting your foot with an over the counter anti fungal and anti bacterial powder. However, in the case of an insect or spider bite, if there is any sign of fever or vomiting, please visit a doctor immediately.
If you have hurt your foot through some sort of impact, the standard treatment is RICE – rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If you are not sure how to tie a bandage, you should leave it to a doctor or nurse, but the other three are easy to do yourself. However, if the pain and swelling are very severe, or if for some reason you suspect a fracture, you should visit a doctor immediately.
One common cause of swelling in the foot is gout, although it usually affects the big toe or the entire foot, and not just the top of the foot. If your swelling is in fact a sign of gout, the only things you can do right now are rest the foot and keep it elevated. In the long run however, you may need to modify your diet by limiting your intake of red meat and alcohol. If you frequently suffer from such flare ups, you should consult your doctor, who will determine the exact cause.
answered by M W