Why do my ankles swell?

 Swollen ankles often suggest a venous return problem. But many other factors can come into play, including trauma, pregnancy, and various pathologies. We take stock of the causes of this phenomenon and the solutions to remedy it.

Why do my ankles swell?

We speak of a swollen ankle when the ankle is swollen following an injury, pregnancy, a blood circulation problem, or a specific pathology. Concretely, this results in discomfort when walking, a feeling of discomfort, or even pain. In the absence of an obvious cause, it is better to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment!

Edema, pain, redness, a feeling of heat… Warning symptoms

When the ankle is swollen, there is the presence of edema (swelling of the soft tissues), accompanied, depending on the case:

• redness  ; _

• pain (continuous or not) ;

• an abnormal sensation of heat  ;

• a feeling of "heaviness" in the legs  ;

• and sometimes cramps.

Most of the time said edema is related to a trauma (ankle sprain, strain, bone fracture, etc.) or a blood circulation disorder.

Falls, water retention, sprains, pregnancy, strains… Why do my ankles swell?

Several reasons can explain this phenomenon. And some are to be taken particularly seriously.

In some cases, the ankles may swell after standing or sitting for too long, especially when traveling or working. But the swelling can also be linked to:

• osteoarthritis of the ankle  ;
• heart or kidney  failure ;
• a gout attack in the ankle;
• pregnancy (especially during the third trimester) ;
• inflammatory arthritis such as  rheumatoid arthritis  ;
• a blood circulation disorder, favored by age, pregnancy ( fluid retention ), or prolonged standing or sitting;
• or orthopedic trauma (strain, sprain, or fracture of the ankle following a fall, etc.).

Good to know: diet (especially excess salt), physical inactivity, and overweight increase the risk of edema.

What medicine causes ankles to swell?

Some medications can cause swelling in the ankles, especially if taken long-term or in high doses:

• corticosteroids _  ;
• tricyclic antidepressants  ;
• certain birth control pills containing estrogen hormones   ;
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen;
• medicines for high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

Swollen ankle: what are the possible complications?

A swollen ankle can be a sign of an underlying problem that can potentially lead to complications such as:

• persistent pain and decreased mobility  ;
• severe circulatory problems like  deep vein thrombosis (DVT);
• an infection that can potentially spread to other parts of the body if left untreated;
• or additional injury (because a poorly or untreated ankle may be more unstable and less able to support body weight).

And if the swelling is related to an untreated underlying disease, it can be accompanied by many other deleterious symptoms. Hence the important of quickly consulting a health professional who can clarify the diagnosis.

When to consult a health professional?

It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional if your ankles are swollen and the situation does not improve after a few days, or if other symptoms appear, such as pain, redness, feeling hot, or having difficulty walking. Consult immediately in the following cases:

• if your ankle is severely swollen, red, or warm to the touch;
• if you have severe pain or difficulty moving your ankle  ;
• if the swelling is chronic or recurrent, even in the absence of pain or functional signs;
• if you think you have a sprain, strain, dislocation, or fracture  ;
• if you have a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or are at risk of DVT due to illness or medical treatment;
• if you have a history of heart, kidney, or liver disease, or if you are taking medicines that may affect your circulatory system;
• if your ankles have been swollen for a while and you have not been able to determine the underlying cause.

Your doctor may then perform a physical exam, lab tests, and imaging tests to determine the underlying cause of the swelling and recommend appropriate treatment.

What tests diagnose a swollen ankle?

The doctor will begin by listening to your symptom history before embarking on a clinical examination to assess the extent of swelling, mobility, and stiffness in the ankle. Then comes the moment of medical imaging examinations:

• a scanner  ;
• an  MRI (magnetic resonance imaging);
• an x-ray, to check for any fractures or cracks in the ankle bones;
• an ultrasound, to get an idea of ​​the condition of the soft tissues of the ankle, such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles;
• and/or arthroscopy, to examine the inside of the joint.

Blood tests (  blood counts, studies of kidney and liver function, and electrolytes) may also be ordered to assess the health of certain organs.

Medicines, rehabilitation, compression stockings… How to deflate an ankle quickly (naturally or not)?

The management of swollen ankles obviously depends on the cause of the swelling. Depending on the case, several alternatives are available to patients. For example, antibiotics are used in the event of infection, corticosteroid injections in the event of osteoarthritis of the ankle, and dedicated drugs in the event of heart, kidney, or liver failure.

Relieve venous insufficiency

In case of venous insufficiency, wearing compression stockings, combined with taking diuretics, will improve blood circulation. Other tips to limit the symptoms:

• be sufficiently hydrated ;
• maintain a stable healthy weight  ;
• use veinotonics  ;
• practice regular physical activity and bet on sports that promote venous return  ;
• elevate your legs at bedtime or during naps;
• opt for a cold shower on the legs to boost venous circulation;
• limit the wearing of high heels and ballet flats: prefer slightly inclined shoes, which maintain the foot correctly.

Relieve trauma

If the swelling in the joint is due to trauma, it is sometimes necessary to immobilize your ankle. Excluding the application of ice, the taking of anti-inflammatories, the use of crutches or a cane, and the sessions of physiotherapy or physiotherapy.

In addition, in the case of osteoarthritis of the ankle, localized corticosteroid infiltrations can relieve the symptoms. 

Health