Swollen ankles are a result of water retention. It is also medically called edema. It happens when water starts collecting in the spaces between the cells in the body. You would need to take care of it first to cure the swollen ankles. You have mentioned that he had a problem with his kidney so that could be the cause of water retention. The water is passed out from the body through the kidneys and the bladder. The urine has fluid retaining salt in it hence the more diluted it is the easier it is to get the water retaining salt out of the body. It is also caused due to a poor diet that has a high salt and carbohydrate content, using too much of laxatives, diuretics or other drugs, an allergic reaction to something, severe trauma, painful varicose veins, etc. it is accompanied with other symptoms like weight gain, headaches, high blood pressure, puffiness around the eyes and on the face. Along with swollen ankles he could also be suffering from swollen wrists and or hands.
You should take care of the following things for him to treat his problem of water retention and swollen ankles:
- Check his salt intake. Too much salt is the main cause of water retention.
- Increase his fluid intake. Give him lots of water and fresh fruit juices to drink. Do check with your doctor first about certain fruit juices if he has diabetes.
- Make sure he eats a well balanced diet consisting of lots of fresh dark green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits and whole grains that give
- Do not give him too many laxatives or diuretics, as this will make the problem worse.
- Avoid giving him refined and processed foods as they are rich in sugars and salt that strip the body of essential B vitamins and increase water retention.
- Wash and peel a few organic potatoes. Take these potato peelings and simmer them in two cups of water for about fifteen minutes and strain. Drink two tablespoons of it in a glass of water, four times daily for two weeks.
- Ask him not to sit or stand in one place for a long time. Take him out for walks as that will increase the movement of his limbs and help his body to eliminate the toxic wastes effectively.
- Make him sit or sleep with his legs resting on an elevated support above the heart level. This will reduce the pressure on his ankles, knees and legs and will help to reduce the swelling.
answered by M W