3. Too Much Salt Intake
Excessive intake of sodium contributes to various health conditions including swollen ankles. This is because salt retains water in the body. Consuming too much of it increases the fluid level in the body and stimulates edema in any part of the body, but particularly in ankles. Medline Plus links the inability of the body to get rid of excessive fluid in the lower limbs of gravity. It states that “it is hard for the heart to pump the fluid out of the lower limbs and up against gravity”.
Therefore, controlling the amount of sodium you consume will help to reduce ankle swelling and improve other health conditions such as high blood pressure. The recommended intake of salt is not more than 2.000mg per day of table salt; less than a teaspoon. Find out from your doctor about the main cause of your swollen ankle before depriving yourself of salt.