Swollen ankles occur when fluid is retained in the spaces between our cells.

This fluid buildup can have a number of different causes, most notably insufficiency of the venus system, water retention secondary to heart, kidney, liver, or endocrine disease, as well as local musculoskeletal issues such as trauma, infections, or tumors.

All of these can cause swollen ankles.

Pregnant women deal with swollen ankles on a daily basis due to weight gain and water retention. Waiters and waitresses also deal with swollen ankles after standing and walking for long periods. Athletes often suffer from swollen ankles for the same reasons, and also due to repetitive microtrauma.

Swollen ankles can occur to anyone at any age. Most swollen ankles are attributed to strains or sprains, but they are also common among people who suffer from conditions that cause excessive fluid buildup, a condition known in medical circles as edema.

The swelling can affect one or both ankles. The swelling may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, stiffness, or warmth.

Swollen Ankle Symptoms That May Develop

It is important to understand that a swollen ankle can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying problem. In addition to the ankle swelling, symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Warmth
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Swelling in foot or leg

Why Is My Ankle Swollen?

Here is a look at some of the various causes of a swollen ankle:

• Ankle pain
• Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Bug bite or sting
• Obesity
• Burn
• Cellulitis (infection of the skin)
• Cirrhosis (liver)
• Congestive heart failure
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Fracture within ankle
• Kidney failure
• Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)
• Pseudogout
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma
• Sprains and strains
• Vasculitis
• Tumor
• Trauma
• Infection
• Stress fracture
• Medication
• Malnutrition
• Joint infection
• Prolonged sitting, standing or walking
• Athletic activities
• Pregnancy
• Lymphatic diseases

Because swollen ankles are generally a symptom of an underlying problem, it is critical to have a swollen ankle examined by a doctor without unnecessary delay.

Common medications that may cause your ankles to swell include:

• Estrogen and testosterone, which are sometimes found in birth control pills or used in hormone replacement therapy
• Steroids
• Antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors and tricyclics such as:
  • Phenelzine
  • Tranylcypromine
  • Nortriptyline
  • Desipramine
  • Amitriptyline
• Calcium channel blockers or blood pressure medicines including:
  • Amlodipine
  • Diltiazem
  • Felodipine
  • Verapamil
  • Nifedipine

Diagnosing a Swollen Ankle

Your doctor should be able to diagnose your swollen ankle upon examining it, especially if the swelling is significant.

Your doctor will more than likely ask you a variety of questions about your personal and family medical histories, daily activities, and lifestyle, and how the problem occurred. He or she may also order x-rays to look for additional problems.

The purpose of all this is to determine the cause of the swelling. Once the cause has been determined, the proper diagnosis can be made and treatment can begin. Additional tests may be ordered, including:

• ESR Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: used to look for inflammation
• Full blood count: looks for infections that suggest septic arthritis
• C-Reactive Protein: a marker for infection
• Urine tests: used to measure protein levels
• Thyroid function test
• Liver function test
• Imaging tests may include x-rays, ultrasounds, radionuclide scans, or venous ultrasound studies, which assist in detecting deep venous thrombosis

Typically these tests are conducted only when the cause of the swelling is not apparent (for example, if you did not injure your ankle and have no known medical conditions).

Swollen Ankle Treatment Options For You

Treatment for a swollen ankle will depend on the diagnosis. Once your doctor has determined the cause of the problem, he or she will be able to discuss treatment options with you.

In most cases, elevation of the foot to eight inches above the level of the heart is recommended for a swollen extremity. This increases blood return without significantly decreasing the flow of oxygen-rich blood into the foot. Other ways to decrease swelling in your ankles include:

• Increasing muscle activity through exercise
• Avoiding standing in one position for extended periods
• Limiting salt or sodium intake
• Drinking plenty of water, especially in extremely hot or cold environments
• Avoiding laxatives if possible
• Avoiding contraceptive pills
• Avoiding hormone replacement therapy when possible
• Wearing supportive socks
• Using a compression pump to help fluid return to blood vessels
• Not abusing diuretics!

Before acting on any of these suggestions you should consult your doctor. He or she may prefer different treatment methods than the ones listed above. For example, if you are experiencing swollen ankles because of a medication you are taking, you may just need to switch your prescription.

How Can I Prevent My Ankles From Swelling?

In most cases, swollen ankles can be prevented, especially if the problem is not linked to an underlying medical condition or sudden trauma.

Avoid sitting or standing without movement for long periods. If you have to take a five-hour plane ride, try standing up or adjusting yourself frequently to circulate your blood. If you are driving a long distance, stop every hour or so to stretch your legs.

Exercise regularly and always stretch before and after each workout in order to warm up and cool down. If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about a weight-loss program or changes you need to make in your diet.

Avoid wearing restrictive clothing such as socks with elastic around the ankles. If the swelling is caused by a medication you are taking, talk with your doctor about the side effects.

Unfortunately, swollen ankles are sometimes a symptom of another problem, such as liver disease. Managing the underlying problem can prevent symptoms such as swelling from occurring.

If you play sports, you may be increasing your risk of injury, and ultimately swollen ankles. Wearing protective and supportive footwear can reduce your chances of getting swollen ankles.

Talking to Your Doctor

Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor about swollen ankles

• Should I wear my ACE bandage or TED hose throughout the night?
• Is it okay for me to soak my feet in Epsom Salt water? What if I am diabetic?
• Should I elevate my feet at night to reduce the swelling?
• Will changes in my diet help reduce my swollen ankles?
• What exercises or stretches will benefit me most when my ankles are swollen?
• Based on the cause of my swollen ankles, are there any home remedies that will help?