2023-04-14 16:56:49
We are talking regarding 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 obvious causeit is better to consult a doctor to benefit from an appropriate treatment!
Edema, pain, redness, feeling of heat… Warning symptoms
When the ankle is swollen, we notice the presence of edema (a swelling of the soft tissues), accompanied, depending on the case:
- of redness ;
- of pains (continuous or not);
- of one abnormal feeling of heat ;
- of one feeling of “heaviness” in the legs ;
- and sometimes from cramps.
Most of the time, said edema is related to a trauma (an ankle sprain, a strain, a 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 following too long a period of standing or sitting, especially when traveling, or in the context of work. But the swelling can also be linked to:
- a ankle osteoarthritis ;
- a heart or kidney failure ;
- a gout attack at the ankle;
- a pregnancy (especially during the third trimester);
- and inflammatory rheumatism such as rheumatoid arthritis;
- and blood circulation disorder, favored by age, pregnancy (fluid retention) or prolonged standing or sitting;
- or some 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:
- THE corticosteroids ;
- THE tricyclic antidepressants ;
- certain birth control pills containing estrogen hormones;
- THE nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen;
- THE drugs for high blood pressuresuch 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:
- of the persistent pain and an decreased mobility ;
- of the severe circulatory problems such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT);
- a infection which can potentially spread to other parts of the body if left untreated;
- or a additional injury (because a poorly or untreated ankle can be more unstable and less able to support the weight of the body).
And if the swelling is related to an untreated underlying disease, it can be accompanied by many other deleterious symptoms. Hence the importance 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 following a few days, or if other symptoms occur, such as pain, redness, warmth, or difficulty walking. Consult immediately in the following cases:
- if your ankle is severely swollen, red, or hot touch ;
- if you experience 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 are in pain a sprain, strain, dislocation or fracture ;
- if you have some history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or if you are at risk of DVT due to illness or medical treatment;
- if you have some history of heart, kidney, or liver diseaseor if you are taking medicines that may affect your circulatory system;
- if your ankles have been swollen for some time and you might not 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 to diagnose a swollen ankle?
The doctor will begin by listening to your symptom history before proceeding to a clinical examination to assess the extent of edema, mobility and stiffness of the ankle. Then comes the moment of medical imaging examinations:
- and scanner ;
- a IRM (Magnetic resonance imaging) ;
- a x-rayto detect possible fractures or cracks in the ankle bones;
- a ultrasoundto get an idea of the condition of the soft tissues of the ankle, such as tendons, ligaments and muscles;
- and/or a arthroscopyto examine the inside of the joint.
Of the blood tests (blood counts, studies of kidney and liver function, and electrolytes) may also be prescribed to assess the health of certain organs.
Medicines, rehabilitation, compression stockings… How to deflate an ankle quickly (naturally or not)?
Treatment 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:
- hydrate enough;
- maintain a stable weight ;
- have recourse to veinotonics ;
- engage in regular physical activity and bet on sports that promote venous return ;
- elevate your legs at bedtime or during naps;
- opt for a cold shower in the legs to stimulate venous circulation;
- limit the wearing of high heels and ballerinas : Prefer shoes with a slight slope, which hold the foot correctly.
And strict medical monitoring will be observed to limit the occurrence of complications. Above, discover the top ten foods to improve your blood circulation!
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I take advantage of the red fruit season
Blackcurrants, strawberries, currants… are rich in vitamin P which, by strengthening the wall of blood vessels, reduces the passage of water into the tissues. The right dose: 250 g, three times a week.
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I rehabilitate the lawyer
Admittedly, it is fatty and energetic: 22 g of lipids and 220 calories per 100 g (1/2 avocado). But it is rich in vitamin E (1 mg/100 g), a powerful vascular protector. It is put on the menu at least once a week, washed down with lemon juice rich in vitamin C, which acts as a cofactor for vitamin E.
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I buy organic eggs
These eggs have superior nutritional value! They contain vitamin E (2 mg/100 g) and omega-3 fatty acids which, by contributing to the maintenance of cell membranes, strengthen the walls of the vessels.
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I eat meat or fish every day
They are the best source of proteins with high biological value, essential for muscle mass, the most effective natural compression of the veins of the lower limbs. Every day, we plan 150 to 200 g of meat, white or red, poultry, fish or seafood.
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I crack nuts
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E (60 mg/100 g), they are doubly beneficial to our blood vessels. Chew 5 or 6 in the morning, it’s good for the circulation!
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I alternate fish and seafood
In addition to proteins, crustaceans and shellfish are full of zinc and selenium, two constituents of collagen, which provide veins with resistance and the ability to expand.
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I prefer foods with no added sugar
By destroying collagen, the sucrose present in sweet products weakens the blood vessels. Better to buy plain foods.
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I season following cooking
Cooked fats are poorly incorporated into cell membranes, especially vascular ones. It is preferable to add the fats, favoring vegetable oils, following having cooked the food in the oven, on the grill, with steam, etc.
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I cook with herbs
Herbs and spices help reduce salt, which promotes water retention. In addition, both garlic and onion improve blood flow.
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I see red
Red grapes have draining properties and concentrate substances such as polyphenols beneficial to hair health. You can also allow yourself from time to time 1 to 2 glasses of red wine a day, no more.
Relieve trauma
If joint swelling is due to trauma, it is sometimes necessary to immobilize the ankle. Without considering the application of ice, taking anti-inflammatoriesthe use of crutches or a cane and physiotherapy sessions or physiotherapy.
Moreover, in the case of osteoarthritis of the ankle, the corticosteroid injections localized relief of symptoms.
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