The first and best way to bring down swelling (edema) in the feet and ankles is to find and treat the underlying cause, if there is one. That's why you
should bring the problem to the attention of a doctor or other healthcare provider when you notice an increase in swelling in one or both feet that doesn't go down or is accompanied by pain or redness.
If there's not a medical cause, you can:
*Help the person decrease his salt intake.
*Elevate the foot or feet when sitting.
*Make sure the person walks a little more, if he's mobile, instead of spending the entire day sitting.
*Try massage; it's often used by lymphedema therapists to decrease edema that's caused by this disorder of the lymphatic system.
*Encourage the person to wear compression stockings. A doctor or podiatrist can help you choose the right kind for an individual situation. Stockings can come in one of many different levels of compression, measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). There are open- and closed-toe varieties, and knee-high, thigh-high, and pantyhose styles. They also come in different colors and are generally unisex.
You can buy compression stockings at medical supply stores and some pharmacies. When you purchase them, ask about special devices (sometimes called "stocking butlers") that make it easier to put the hose on in the morning, especially for people with limited grasp. The hosiery is most effective when donned before rising and worn during waking hours, then taken off at night.