How do reduce swelling on ankle - #26544

Thank you for explaining your condition in detail. At 16 years of age, with a history of gall bladder removal in 2023, persistent ankle swelling, low hemoglobin (10 g/dl), low Vitamin D3 (18 ng/ml), and elevated SGOT (liver enzyme), along with recent lower leg and back pain, the approach should focus on:

Improving liver function (Yakrit poshana)

Correcting anemia (Pandu chikitsa)

Reducing swelling & inflammation (Shothahara)

Strengthening bones & muscles (Asthi poshana)

Supporting digestion and circulation.

Recommended Investigations ( if not taken previously)

1. Liver function test (LFT) – to monitor SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase 2. Abdominal ultrasound – to check liver size, bile duct flow after gall bladder removal 3. CBC – for anemia evaluation 4. Serum ferritin & iron studies – to assess iron deficiency 5. Vitamin D3 & B12 – to confirm and track correction 6. Kidney function test (KFT) – to rule out renal cause for swelling 7. ESR & CRP – to assess inflammation

Internal Medicine

1. Punarnavadi kwath – 10 ml with 30 ml of warm water twice daily before meals (reduces swelling, supports liver & kidney). 2 . Arogyavardhini vati – 1 tablet twice daily after meals with warm water (liver detox & digestion).

3. Draksharishta – 10 ml with equal water twice daily after food. 4. Dhatri loha 1-0-1 after food 5.Asthi poshaka vati 1-0-1 after food

Include jaggery, dates, black raisins, pomegranate in daily diet.

Diet & Nutrition Tips

Avoid

Fried, oily, packaged food (strain on liver) Excess salt (may worsen swelling) Cold and heavy foods

Include

Warm water with a pinch of turmeric daily morning Steamed/boiled vegetables (bottle gourd, ridge gourd, drumstick leaves) Iron-rich foods: dates, black sesame, spinach, beetroot Calcium & Vitamin D sources: ragi, drumstick, cow’s milk, sesame. Soak in mild morning sunlight for 20 min daily for Vitamin D3.

Lifestyle Modifications

Keep legs elevated while sleeping to reduce ankle swelling

Gentle stretching & ankle rotations twice daily

Avoid standing for long hours continuously

Slow walking 20–30 min daily to improve circulation

Regular follow-up for liver function monitoring

May your swelling reduce, hemoglobin improve, and liver regain optimal function. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for follow-up or adjustments in treatment.

With kind regards, Dr. Sumi

Swelling in the ankle, combined with a history of low hemoglobin and other issues, might relate to imbalances in your body that need addressing. From an Ayurvedic perspective, swelling and pain could be due to vitiated Pitta dosha and obstruction in your body’s channels. Also, considering your low Vitamin D3 levels, it’s essential to support your bones and muscles.

Firstly, address the swelling by using a warm oil massage (abhyanga) on the affected area, which helps improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Sesame oil is typically recommended, gently heating it before applying. Doing this daily, especially in the evening, could be beneficial. Also, you may apply turmeric paste blended with water on the swollen area to help with the inflammation — turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are well known in Ayurveda.

Additionally, dietary adjustments should be made: include Pitta-pacifying foods into your diet. Favor more cooling and soothing foods, such as cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens, while avoiding spicy, acidic, and overly salty foods that could aggravate Pitta. Since your hemoglobin is low, eat iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils and beets. Cooked apples and pomegranate juice in the morning can be quite helpful.

Given your Vitamin D3 deficiency, spend some time under early morning sunlight, around 10-15 minutes daily if possible. Also, as you’re experiencing persistent symptoms and had a surgery, consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner personally or a healthcare practitioner is essential to monitor any conditions more intricately and ensure you don’t miss an underlying issue that needs direct professional attention. Focus on rest and ensure you’re not exerting the affected ankle; wearing appropriate footwear is important during healing.

Ankle swelling and the recent lower leg and back pain you’re experiencing could signal an imbalance in your body’s systems. With your medical history, including the gallbladder removal, low hemoglobin, and elevated SGOT levels, there’s a clear need to address both your immediate symptoms and some underlying factors. For Ayurvedic management, we might consider your condition related to vata or pitta imbalance affecting the circulation and tissue integrity.

First, prioritize reducing the swelling. Try topical applications. A paste made using equal parts of turmeric and sandalwood can be applied on the swollen area. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and sandalwood is cooling, which soothes the inflamed tissues. Apply this paste gently, leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. You can do this twice daily for relief.

Internally, sip on warm water infused with ginger and tulsi, which helps in digestion and reducing inflammation internally. To prepare, boil one-inch ginger and a few tulsi leaves in two cups of water for about 10 minutes and drink it throughout the day.

Pay close attention to your diet. Increase iron-rich foods like leafy greens, lentils, and jaggery to address anemia. Likewise, ensure enough vitamin D through sun exposure, aiming for about 20 minutes daily when possible. Diet can profoundly affect healing and energy levels, especially considering your low iron levels.

Gentle yoga and stretching exercises can help mitigate back pain and improve circulation reducing swelling. Back stretches like Cat-Cow Pose and Leg Raise can be beneficial in strengthening and aligning your spine properly.

However, given the seriousness of ongoing leg pain, swelling, and changes in liver function, consult a physician soon. It’s key to rule out any deep-vein thrombosis or liver concerns require immediate attention without delay.