by Last updated on February 6th, 2024 at 01:52 pm
The modern world has ushered in many technological breakthroughs and as such, we humans have become more sedentary. It’s not surprising that many people suffer from swollen ankles. With that said, it’s important to know how to properly addressed swollen ankles cause, as it can be a cause for concern.
Although swollen ankles have many cause, anything from standing on your feet for too long to health conditions such as oedema or inflammatory arthritis, it’s important to get to the root of the problem so that steps can be taken to address it.
In this blog post, we will discuss seven potential causes of swollen ankles that you should be aware of and what you can do to combat them. Whether you’re experiencing sudden or chronic swelling due to an existing condition, knowing the underlying cause is key to addressing the issue and achieving relief quickly.
1. Standing for long periods
One of the most common causes of swollen ankles is standing on your feet for too long. If your job requires being on your feet for extended periods, such as nursing, retail or construction, you could develop swollen ankles and in some cases swollen feet.
Prolonged standing can cause fluid to build up in the ankles, which can increase swelling, leading to strained muscles and ligaments. To reduce swelling in the ankles due to prolonged standing, it’s important to give them regular rest and elevate them periodically throughout the day.
You may also find relief by wearing compression stockings and taking frequent breaks when you move around or get off your feet altogether. Additionally, staying hydrated can help to keep fluids appropriately regulated throughout the body, thus avoiding accumulation at the ankles.
2. Oedema
The second most common cause of swollen ankles is oedema or edema for those across the pond. This is a condition in which excess fluid leaks from the blood and lymph vessels into body tissues and cavities, causing swelling in various places, particularly your feet and ankles.
This is especially true if it’s caused by an underlying chronic health condition such as heart failure or cirrhosis of the liver. It is worth knowing too that over time the backflow valves in the vessels can become worn out, leading to fluid and/or blood pooling at the ankles.
If you have oedema, you may also experience additional symptoms such as weight gain and excessive fatigue. Treating the underlying condition that’s causing the oedema is essential to reducing symptoms and addressing any related medical issues. Further, your doctor may advise lifestyle changes like avoiding salty foods, regular exercise and wearing compression garments to reduce swelling around the ankles.
3. Kidney problems
The third reason your swollen ankles could be a cause for concern is kidney problems. Excess accumulation of salt and water can occur due to chronic kidney disease. This fluid can form in the legs and ankles, resulting in swelling lasting for several days or weeks.
As the kidneys fail to filter out toxins effectively, the body begins to retain more fluid than it normally would. This will lead to swelling in the ankles. It is important to note that, even if you are not experiencing any other symptoms associated with kidney disease, sudden ankle swelling should be considered a warning sign. Make sure to have it further investigated by your doctor.
4. Infection
The fourth reason why swollen ankles can be a cause for concern is related to an infection. An infection is usually caused by a break in the skin. If your feet and ankles become red, hot or tender to the touch, then this may be a sign of infection. The infection and swelling may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue and pain. Bacterial infections are the most common type that causes ankle swelling.
However, viruses, fungi and parasites can also cause inflammation and swelling. Prompt medical assessment and treatment are necessary if you suspect you have an infection. If you are experiencing swollen ankles and other unusual symptoms, speak to your health care provider for advice.
5. Blood clot
The fifth reason why swollen ankles can be cause for concern is a blood clot. If your feet and ankles feel tender and swollen, then it could indicate that you have thrombophlebitis; a condition in which a blood clot forms in the veins of your legs. This type of swelling is typically accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, warmth and pain in the affected area, making it difficult to move around.
Blood clots should always be checked out immediately by a physician. This can be serious, particularly if you experience sudden bruising or swelling in your ankle without any apparent injury. It could be an indicator of a blood clot and again medical advice should be sought immediately.
6. Trauma
The sixth reason swollen ankles can be a cause for concern is trauma or a serious injury. If you suffer an injury such as a fracture, sprain, ligament tear or tendon pain at your ankle, the affected area may become swollen and painful. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may require medical treatment and you may need surgery to repair the damage.
Swelling and pain that do not improve with rest or home remedies should always be evaluated by a medical professional to make sure there are no complications. Early diagnosis of a serious injury can mean quicker recovery times. If your ankles have recently become swollen due to an injury, it may be time to see your healthcare provider.
7. Medications
Certain types of medications can be the cause of your swollen ankles. Medications such as corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), have been associated with fluid retention in the body.
Corticosteroids aid in balancing sodium and water and can increase fluid retention, resulting in pooling around the ankles. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation in the body, but can also cause retention of salt and water leading to swelling.
ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure and can also lead to fluid retention, causing swollen ankles. Swollen ankles caused by medication is usually painless and may go away when you stop taking the drug. However, if you experience any kind of pain or discomfort along with swelling then it’s important to speak to your clinician to see what can be done.
Also, researchers have concluded that medication induced oedema is caused through 4 mechanisms. These include lymphatic insufficiency, increased capillary permeability, precapillary arteriolar vasodilation and sodium and or water retention (Largeau, 2021).
Conclusion
In conclusion, swollen ankles can have many potential causes, including underlying medical issues, certain types of medication and lifestyle factors such as prolonged standing or sitting. It is important to speak to your podiatrist or doctor if you experience any kind of swelling in the ankles that does not respond to home remedies or rest. They can assess your symptoms and run tests to rule out any serious medical conditions that may be causing the problem.
Treatment for underlying medical conditions will vary depending upon the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment often lead to better overall health outcomes in the long run. Your health is your wealth! Always seek help! For more on ankle pain! Good luck!
Questions your doctor may ask
- When did you first notice the swelling in your ankles?
- Are both of your ankles swollen or just one?
- Is there any pain associated with the swelling?
- Do you take any medications that could be causing the swelling?
- Have you noticed any other symptoms along with the swollen ankles?
Questions to ask your doctor
- What could be causing the swelling in my ankles?
- Are there any tests I can take to diagnose this condition?
- Is there any treatment available if I am diagnosed with a medical condition?
- Are there any home remedies I can try to reduce the swelling?
- How long should it take for my symptoms to improve after starting treatment?
References
- Largeau, B., Cracowski, J., Lengellé, C., Sautenet, B. and Jonville‐Béra, A. (2021). Drug‐induced peripheral oedema: An aetiology‐based review. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 87(8), pp.3043–3055. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.14752.
