Strongly urge you speak with cardiologist about the edema, which indeed can be caused by various factors. I experience precisely what you describe, so salt is used VERY sparingly in meal preps, and while it takes getting used to, I've made myself learn to use herbs and commercially available herb blends, on meats and veggies. READ LABELS to make sure NO form of salt or salt substitute is included! I must confess that for me eggs (whether the real ones or liquid eggs) taste downright NASTY without a tiny sprinkle of kosher salt (ground pepper too!). But I rely on the "natural" salts within foods and ingredients, and even rinse canned beans. Always checking/reading labels, choosing the lowest salt to zero salt products. For baking: Hain's Baking Powder has ZERO salt, I just add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 tsp to my gluten-free baking. Watch out for chips, etc! I cut out my favorite multigrain chips due to the salt, but my husband likes the taste of his NO SALT sweet potato chips and favorite blue corn chips also. I think they are not worth eating since I don't enjoy the flavors sans salt.

As for the swelling in my left ankle: Due to complex regional pain syndrome (three years now, and swelling can be slight to tight, with intensity of pain to match). I donated my ankle socks and wear what I call "footies", the kind that cover the foot up to just about the ankle bones, not above that. Men's footies are way more comfortable, being looser and not binding. I favor comfort over fashion, but there are nice ones out there. Check TJMax, Marshall's for great prices, and also BJ's or Cosco (maybe Sam's Club also).

TO ACHIEVE RELIEF, You might try what I learned years ago, and find really helpful: elevating legs against a wall.
Go to youtube to see how it's done. There are short videos demonstrating it.
• Youtube: (U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training): Legs Up the Wall
• Youtube: Yoga for Edema: How to Do Legs Up the Wall. This offers even using a chair; she is informative and gives great suggestions, including not having to be totally against the wall.
You'll find more videos listed on the right of the youtube page.

CAVEAT: CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST, to make sure you won't be negatively affecting back, pelvis, abdominal, neck, or other issues.

I have serious sacral and hip issues and arthritic neck but have had no problems with this activity. My legs feel great following this simple exercise. Good for reducing leg swelling. Relaxing too! Holding legs up in this position helps ease discomfort, keep blood from pooling and staying in legs. I PRACTICE RELAXATION EXERCISE DURING THE 15 TO 20 MINTES OF ELEVATING LEGS, AIMING FOR RELEASING STRESS FROM ENTIRE BODY ALL THE WAY UP TO MY CRANIUM. FEELS SO DOGGONE GOOD!

OTHER ONLINE REFERENCES:
• tummy.com>yoga-poses>contraindications
•centerforvein.com>blog>how=does-elevating-legs-benefit-circulation

One last suggestion: Until I can find the "right" recliner, I placed an ottoman by where I sit in the family room. Whenever I feel the need, I will go there and elevate both legs onto the ottoman. I also place a small pillow under my sacral area. I do foot exercises as learned in physical therapy (yes, I've had lots of sessions).

I hope you find some use from what I've offered here. I'd really like to know if you do, and how it did or didn't benefit you.

Best of luck, and find peace and release from pain😊🌺