Causes, diagnosis, treatment for Ankle Swelling

Swelling of the lower leg and ankle is a common problem. Determining the cause of ankle swelling is the first step to finding effective treatment. Once the cause of the ankle swelling is determined, effective treatment can be initiated.

Answer: Ankle swelling causes the accumulation of fluid within the ankle joint or in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle.

Common causes of ankle swelling include:

• Traumatic Injury
  A traumatic injury, such as an ankle sprain or abroken ankle, is the most common cause of ankle swelling. Patients almost always remember the particular injury, but occasionally even subtle injuries can also lead to ankle swelling. Also, stress fracturescan occur around the ankle joint leading to swelling.
• Gout
  Gout is due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals within the fluid of your ankle. Uric acid is a substance produced as part of digestion. In order to properly digest food and rid our body of waste, our bodies produce substances such as uric acid to transport waste material. People with gout abnormally accumulate uric acid crystals within joints, leading to inflammation and swelling.
• Ankle Arthritis
  Ankle arthritis is much less common than degenerative changes in other joints. However, ankle arthritis can occur and can be quite painful. Ankle arthritis is most common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or in patients with a previous injury to the ankle joint.
  Surgical treatments for ankle arthritis depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases of arthritis, such as anterior impingement, a less-invasive ankle arthroscopy may be helpful in removing bone spurs. As arthritis progresses, the options are usually limited to either ankle fusion or ankle replacement surgery.
• Infection
  Infection is an unusual cause of ankle swelling. Infections can either occur in the soft tissues around the ankle joint (cellulitis) or in the joint itself (septic joint). Infections can often be treated with medications alone, but may also require surgery.
• Vascular Obstruction
  Numerous problems with blood flow can impair normal circulation and lead to swelling around the ankles. The most common cause of vascular obstruction is a blood clot, also known as a DVT. This type of vascular problem usually occurs in one leg (not both), and leads to swelling of the soft-tissues throughout the foot and ankle. The swelling can also extend further up the leg.
• Peripheral Edema
  Peripheral edema is also a circulation problem, but is seen in both legs, not just one. Lower extremity edema can be due to aging of the veins leading to chronic swelling, as well as other conditions that can place pressure on the leg veins. These conditions include pregnancy, obesity, and varicose veins.

Septic Arthritis

Swelling in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle joint or in the septic knee joint itself, could be a sign of an infection. It is caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection that spreads through the bloodstream to the joint. Consult a doctor immediately, if you notice any infected blisters and sores on your swollen foot.

Excessive Salt Intake

Unreasonable intake of salt, alcohol, coffee, tea, soda, etc., can result in abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankle joints which causes the ankle to swell. So, lower the intake of salt and other processed or packed foods to bring down the swelling.

Side Effects of Certain Medication

Intake of medication like steroids, antidepressants, oral contraceptives, laxatives used to induce bowel movement could also cause ankles to swell. Consult your doctor if you notice swelling around the ankles or on the feet after taking any medication.

Diagnosis

A doctor will begin by taking a medical history and provide a medical examination, which will help rule out other health conditions. This is essential because it is important to find the underlying cause of ankle swelling to determine what treatment plan is appropriate.

Some medications, such as hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, blood pressure medication, steroids and antidepressants often have the side effect of swelling. It is important that your physician be made aware of any medications you are currently taking and the amounts to determine if medication is a contributing factor.

X-rays are normally ordered if there was an injury involved and they can also help to rule out other medical conditions. In some cases, more detail is needed, so a CT scan or a DVT ultrasound may be used to examine the veins in the leg to detect clots.

A blood test analysis and urinalysis might be conducted if an infection or gout is suspected. If a blood clot is being considered, an ultrasound might be ordered to determine the size and location of the clot. A physician might also order an ECG to determine if there is a cardiovascular problem.

Treatments

Here are some remedies to reduce swelling and inflammation of the ankles. If the swelling turns very painful and does not subside within the next two or three days, then you must consult a doctor, immediately.

Use leg wedges to elevate your feet while sleeping. This can help lower the pain and swelling, too.

Applying an ice pack on the swollen area for fifteen to twenty minutes could also help reduce the swelling and pain.

To reduce swelling, soak your swollen ankle in 3 litres of warm water mixed with a cup of Epsom salt.

Lower the intake of sodium in your diet.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes as they can restrict blood and fluid circulation in the body leading to swollen ankles.

Wear comfortable shoes and support stockings. Specialized shoes and elastic stockings are available on-line for those with ankle or foot problems.

Walk more frequently, exercise, stretch and rotate your ankles in small circular movements. Avoid standing or sitting in one place for too long.

Even if you suffer from arthritis, exercise is still important for strengthening the joints. Try tai chi or slow yoga, before starting any routine discuss your exercise plan with your doctor.

On long distance travel, make sure you get up at regular intervals and walk around a little.

If there is no underlying medical cause to swelling of the ankles then the above-mentioned remedies will definitely prove helpful. Persistent pain and any unusual accompanying symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

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