Ankle Swelling Causes & Common Reasons for Swollen Ankles
Ankle swelling is not usually a cause of concern if you have mild swelling after a prolonged period of standing or walking. Ankle oedema can be caused by excess fluid buildup in the tissues, leading to swollen feet and ankles.
However, sometimes swelling on legs and ankles can be due to a serious medical problem. Therefore, it is essential to understand the reasons for ankle swelling to determine an effective course of treatment.
Read on to know more about the common causes and home remedies for ankle swelling.
Common Causes of Ankle Swelling
Common ankle swelling causes mild to severe medical conditions. It is essential to consider the causes before determining the treatment for early relief. Check out the common reasons for swollen ankles:
1. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most common reasons for ankle swelling. Mild swelling during pregnancy is completely normal, but if it happens suddenly and swells up a lot, it may be a sign of pre-eclampsia or dangerously high blood pressure.
It can happen during the second half of your pregnancy or immediately after childbirth. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider if the oedema is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, headache, or nausea.
2. Foot or Ankle Injury
The most common cause of ankle swelling is injury or sprain. Twisted ankle swelling or rolled ankle swelling can stretch your ligaments, leading to pain and oedema.
To reduce swelling caused by an injury, you should avoid walking on the injured foot, use ice packs, wrap your foot or ankle with a compression bandage and keep your foot on a stool or pillow. If the swelling does not subside even after trying home remedies, you should consult a healthcare professional as it may indicate a fracture.
3. Lymphedema
Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues due to a lack of or dysfunction of the lymph vessels, or after the removal of lymph nodes. Lymphedema is common among cancer patients after radiation therapy or the removal of lymph nodes. If you had cancer treatment and experience ankle or leg swelling, you must see a doctor immediately.
4. Venous Insufficiency
One of the common ankle oedema causes is venous insufficiency, which is a condition where the veins in your legs do not properly send blood back to your heart. Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to other problems, such as skin changes, skin ulcers and infections.
5. Infection
Swollen ankles can indicate infection. Individuals with diabetic neuropathy or other nerve conditions are more vulnerable to developing foot infections. If you experience a swollen foot or an infected blister, it is essential to see a healthcare professional immediately, as it may lead to nerve damage.
6. Gravity
Prolonged standing can lead to ankle swelling due to gravity on the lower legs. Gravity may prompt the fluid in the legs to build up and cause swelling.
7. Hormones
Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause, can reduce the blood flow to your lower legs and other limbs, thereby making your ankles swollen. Mild swelling due to hormonal changes is completely normal.
8. Phlebitis
Phlebitis is a type of vein inflammation that can make your skin itchy, red and painful. It is most common in people with varicose veins. If you experience extreme inflammation accompanied by phlebitis, it is essential to consult your healthcare professional.
9. Hot Weather
Sometimes your body’s blood vessels can grow in size during hot weather, leading to swollen feet and ankles. You can use an ice pack or compression bandage during this time to reduce the swelling and discomfort.
10. Blood Clots
Blood clots in the veins of the legs can block the return of blood from your legs to your heart, causing swelling in your ankles and feet. Blood clots can occur either in the veins just beneath the skin or deep within the body.
Deep clots or thrombosis can block several major veins in your legs, which can be life-threatening. If you have swelling in one leg accompanied by severe pain, low-grade fever, or change in colour, you should call your doctor immediately.
11. Underlying Diseases
Underlying health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease and liver disease, can lead to ankle and feet swelling. Ankle swelling, particularly in the evening, can be a sign that your body is retaining salt and water due to right-sided heart failure.
Fluid buildup in your body, particularly in the feet, can signify that your kidneys are not functioning properly. Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that helps prevent blood from leaking out of blood vessels. Swelling or excess fluid collection in your feet and ankles can signify that your liver is not producing enough albumin.
12. Medicine Side Effects
Many medicines can lead to swelling in the ankles and feet as a side effect. Some of the common medicines include hormones such as oestrogen found in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, calcium channel blockers (a type of blood pressure medication), steroids, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or diabetes medications.
Home Remedies for Swollen Ankle
Ankle swelling can lead to pain and discomfort in people. Therefore, it is essential to apply home remedies to reduce the discomfort. Check out the common effective home remedies that can help you reduce swollen ankles:
- Elevate Your Feet: Raising your feet to a height on a pillow or a stool can encourage fluid drainage and reduce swelling.
- Cold Compress: Applying an ice pack or cloth soaked in cold water to the swollen foot for 15 to 20 minutes can reduce swelling.
- Exercise: Gentle exercises such as walking or ankle circles can promote circulation and reduce stiffness and swelling.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess sodium and reduce fluid retention in the feet.
- Epsom Salt Soak: Soaking your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salt can help relax muscles, may reducing swelling.
Ankle swelling can develop for many different reasons, ranging from minor injuries and temporary fluid retention to underlying medical conditions that require prompt treatment. Identifying the cause early is the key to choosing the right approach and preventing complications. Seeking timely medical advice ensures an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and better long-term health outcomes.
Reader Information: This article is for general health information only and should not replace professional medical advice. Persistent, severe, or sudden ankle swelling may indicate an underlying health condition and should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
