Replied by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/05/2014
Dear Eve, The vinegar may help the swelling. Are you planning to use it internally or externally? I think both may be helpful. Keeping the swollen knee and ankle elevated when possible may help. Plenty of water each day is helpful, oddly, for the body to rid itself of excess fluid.
Charcoal poultices may also help with the swelling. They could be used overnight. They are not terribly convenient, but wonderfully effective. Directions to make them are on the activated charcoal page.
Dandelion is also good to help reduce swelling. You could make dandelion leaf tea or take leaf or root capsules. (The tea you drink would count towards your water intake.)
I hope you have relief soon. There are many other things that could be tried if these do not work out for you.
~Mama to Many~
Replied by Timh (KY) on 07/06/2014
You must begin an anti inflammatory diet to reduce the swelling. Dr. Weil is getting much followers on his special anti inflammatory diet, but of course there are other dietary protocols of similar method. Just search those key words "anti ... " Of the supplements or foods in particular for reducing inflammation are: Pineapple, Turmeric (Curcumin), The patented fatty acid "Celadrin", the patented herbal "PainRx", and lots of Omega 3 Fatty Acids like Fish, Krill, and Flax Oils. Borax as recommended here on E.C. helps kill the infection in the joints. Many people (including myself) are getting positive results w/ the best seller medicated "Salonpas".
Replied by Tenacious_d (Colorado Springs) on 07/06/2014
Ginger is a great anti-inflammatory. You can drink it in a tea or eat candied ginger, or just chew on the root plain, but it's got a strong, hot bite. I normally avoid sugar, but I make an exception with the ginger...it's that good.
