Ankle swelling, also known as edema, occurs when excess fluid collects in the ankle and foot and causes it to swell. This condition can also affect the legs, feet, and other parts of the body.

It can be caused by a myriad of factors, including injury, pregnancy, medication, heart, liver or kidney disease, or simply sitting or standing for extended periods.

What Causes Swelling in Ankles?

There are many reasons that can cause swelling in ankles. Some of the most common reasons include:.

Injury

When you sprain your ankle, ligaments get injured and damaged, which can cause the area to swell. This type of swelling is usually due to inflammation.

Heart, Liver or Kidney Diseases

Ankle swelling can also be a symptom of heart, liver, or kidney diseases that affect the body’s fluid balance. In these cases, your body may accumulate fluid in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Medications

Some medications can also cause ankle swelling as a side effect, such as blood pressure medication, steroids, and antidepressants. These medications can lead to fluid retention, causing the ankles to swell.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is another common cause of ankle swelling. During pregnancy, the body retains sodium and fluid, which causes the feet and ankles to swell.

Additionally, the growing uterus can put pressure on the pelvic veins, making it harder for blood to flow back to the heart, causing swelling in the ankles.

Sitting or Standing for Extended Periods

If you sit or stand for long periods, you are more likely to experience ankle swelling. When you sit for long periods, gravity pulls fluid down to the legs and ankles.

Similarly, when you stand for too long, it can cause blood to pool in your legs and lead to swelling.

How to Reduce Ankle Swelling

There are various methods to reduce ankle swelling. These methods include:.

Elevating the Legs

Elevating your legs can help increase circulation and reduce swelling. You can prop your legs up on a pillow or two while lying down or sitting and try raising your legs above the heart level.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy is another way to treat ankle swelling. Compression socks, stockings, or bandages help move fluid out of the ankles and reduce swelling.

However, it’s essential to choose the right level of compression gear to avoid causing discomfort to your legs.

Ice or Cold Therapy

Ice or cold therapy is an excellent method to reduce swelling. You can apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables for 15-20 minutes to decrease inflammation in the affected region.

Exercise

Exercise is a healthy way to reduce ankle swelling. If you have ankle swelling due to inactivity, exercise can help increase blood circulation and reduce swelling by pumping excess fluid from the legs and ankles.

Reduce Salt Intake

Reducing the amount of salt you intake can help reduce ankle swelling. Salt intake causes your body to retain more fluid, which can cause swelling in the legs and ankles. Reducing salt intake helps prevent or reduce swelling.

When to See a Doctor?

Ankle swelling can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, especially if it is persistent or sudden. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms:.

Significant pain in the ankle
Redness or heat in the affected area
Sudden swelling in your legs, especially when accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing

Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and perform physical exams and tests to determine the underlying cause of your ankle swelling and recommend appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Ankle swelling can be uncomfortable, but it is treatable. If you are experiencing ankle swelling, it’s crucial to determine the cause and explore various treatment options.

Reduce salt intake, exercise, elevation, compression gear, and cold therapy can all help reduce swelling. If your swelling is due to underlying conditions or injuries, be sure to seek medical attention.