Exercise to Reduce Edema in Sprained Ankle

Exercising a Sprained Ankle in Water to Reduce Edema

True, exercising a sprained ankle in water can help to reduce edema in the ankle

What is Edema?

• Edema means swelling caused by fluid in our body's tissues. It usually occurs in feet, ankles and legs, but it can involve your entire body.
• Causes of edema include: Eating too much salt.
• This swelling (edema) is the result of excess fluid in our tissues — often caused by congestive heart failure or blockage in a leg vein
• Signs of edema include: Swelling or puffiness of tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms.
• If we have swollen legs or feet, working out might seem counterintuitive. But it's one of the most effective ways to encourage our body's anti-inflammatory response.

Staying active enhances our circulation, preventing blood and lymph fluid from pooling in your lower extremities.

Submerging your body in water increases circulation, and water pressure compresses tissue in your legs–both of which can reduce swelling in your feet and ankles