Cider vinegar
The use of apple vinegar for swollen ankles is obsolete nowadays. It has been proven that the vinegar damages the skin’s protective barrier and thus causes more harm than good when used externally. With regular use, even local intolerance reactions such as rashes or skin flaking can often be observed. The only effect of applying the vinegar to the skin is that it creates an evaporative cold that cools the joint for a short time. This only lasts for a short time, however, so that other cooling methods are more effective and much gentler.
Lemon water
Like apple vinegar, lemon water contains a relatively high amount of acid, which can affect the skin’s texture. The idea behind the local application of lemon water is that the vitamin C it contains can promote healing in the joint. It must be said that the vitamin C is not absorbed through the skin and therefore cannot reach its place of action – the swollen joint. Therefore, lemon water is not suitable for treating swollen ankles.
Foot massages
Foot massages can certainly help with a thick ankle if they are performed correctly. If you massage the foot, as with lymph drainage, so that the fluid stored in the tissue can drain off more easily, the swelling and thus the pain usually improve significantly. However, this requires a certain amount of expertise, since the course of the lymphatic channels must be known as a prerequisite for a successful massage. For laymen, it is recommended to use the principle of gravity by elevating the affected leg to facilitate the drainage of stored fluid.
Essential oils
Essential oils have almost no effect on a swollen joint. The reason for this is that the natural ingredients of the oils cannot penetrate the uppermost layer of skin. In the end, they do not reach their place of action through the cornified skin cells during external application. If they are well tolerated, however, they can be used to keep the skin supple above the swelling.However, it is essential to pay attention to possible allergic reactions.
