How to Treat Swollen Ankles and Feet for Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis is a disease that caused by the immune system to attack the kidneys, preventing them from functioning properly. One of the major symptoms of lupus nephritis is swelling in the feet, ankles and lower legs due to excess fluid build-up in the body. Start with Step 1 below for detailed instructions on how to decrease swelling in the ankles and feet, along with additional information about the disease in general.

Decrease the amount of salt in your diet. If you have been diagnosed with lupus nephritis, it is best to limit your salt intake by avoiding foods with a high salt content. Salt (sodium chloride) attracts water molecules in the blood, as sodium molecules are positively charged and water molecules are negatively charged. As a result, having too much salt in your diet causes your body to retain more fluid, leading to swelling in the feet, ankles and legs.

Avoid sodium rich foods such as table salt, soy sauce, cured meat and fish, canned goods, junk foods, cheese, pickles, instant noodles, salted nuts and seeds, pretzels and fast foods.

The degree to which you need to restrict your salt intake will differ from one person to another, depending upon the severity of the condition and your doctor’s advice. If you follow the recommended restrictions carefully, it can help to bring down swelling and reduce blood pressure. Keep your feet elevated to bring down swelling. Keeping your feet and ankles elevated helps to reduce blood flow to this part of the body (due to gravitational force), keeping swelling and inflammation under control.

At night, try to keep your feet elevated above heart level by placing one or two thick pillows underneath your ankles. Ideally, your legs should be elevated at a 30 degree angle.

You should also try to keep your legs elevated as much as possible throughout the day, by propping your feet up on cushions or pillows while lying on the couch. Apply epsom salts and glycerine to draw out excess fluid. Applying a mixture of epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) and glycerine to the ankle helps to reduce swelling in the ankles and feet, as the salt draws excess fluid from the body.

Mix two parts salt to one part glycerine and apply the mixture to the swollen skin around your feet and ankles. Cover the mixture with a bandage and leave in place overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning and repeat the treatment every night until you notice a decrease in swelling.

Even though it is the epsom salts that draw fluid from the body (as salt attracts water molecules) the glycerine is necessary to soothe the skin, as the salt can cause irritation and skin rashes. Glycerine is also a hygroscopic substance (meaning it has the ability to attract and hold water molecules) which gives the salt more time to take effect.

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