Swollen Ankles and Feet

Swollen ankles or feet can be caused due to accumulation of fluids in them. This condition is known as edema. Edema occurs when fluid is retained in the inter cellular spaces in the body. Though this condition occurs most commonly in the legs, ankles and feet, edema can cause swelling of the entire body. Swelling of the ankles and feet can be caused due to certain medicines, health conditions or trauma to these regions. Let us take a look at some common causes and treatments for swollen feet and ankles.

Causes

Some common causes of swollen ankles and feet are:

• Salt retention
• Insect bites
• Long airplane flights or rides in automobiles
• Eating food of low nutritive value and high sodium content
• Sitting or standing in the same position for a long time
• Injury or trauma like a sprain or fracture in the ankle or feet
• Varicose veins and history of phlebitis

Arthritis and gout in the joints may cause swelling in the ankle as well. Medical conditions like heart diseases, kidney failure or liver failure can lead to the build up of excess fluid in the body, specially in the legs and feet. Blood clots that obstruct the flow of blood may cause ankles and feet to swell up. Obstruction of the venous system during obesity and pregnancy, taking medicines related to blood pressure treatment, birth control, depression may also lead to edema. Individuals undergoing hormone replacement therapy may also suffer from retention of excess amounts of fluid in the body.

Symptoms

During the initial stages of edema, swelling in ankles and feet will appear later in the day that will start increasing as the day progresses. However, later on swollen ankles and feet would be the first thing in the morning that one will notice. A person who has been suffering from edema for a long time will also experience pitting. Pitting refers to in indention that is caused if the swollen area is pressed for a few seconds and then left. This indention does not subside immediately on release of the pressure. Swelling for a long time will lead to skin ulceration.

Treatment

Swollen feet and ankles can be easily treated at home by following some simple practices. First of all try to avoid conditions that may lead to swollen ankles and feet. This is important for old people and those who are prone to having swollen legs and feet. Steps like cutting down on salt intake in diets, avoiding standing or sitting in one position for long, and losing extra weight can help reduce the incidents of swollen feet and ankles. Besides this, the following steps can also be useful:

• Use a leg wedge while sleeping so that the legs are raised above the level of the body. If you can manage, try to keep them elevated even while sitting.
• Do leg exercises as they will prevent accumulation of fluids in your legs by pumping them to the heart.
• Take a low salt diet as this reduce the amount of salt in body resulting in lesser water retention.
• Avoid wearing clothes that fit tightly around the hips and legs.
• Although diuretics may be helpful, avoid taking an overdose of these pills.
• Take regular walks as walking works the muscles of the legs. This prevents fluid accumulation around the feet and ankles.
• Most drug stores sell support stockings. These come in varying gradients depending upon the pressure required. According to the spread of edema, the length of these stockings may also vary. Wear these to reduce the swelling.
• Certain drugs can also cause swelling. Get your prescriptions checked by the physician for calcium channel blockers and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that lead to swelling.

These are the common causes and treatment for swollen ankles and feet. However, if some serious health reasons are suspected behind the swellings, consult a physician immediately. Tests like urine analysis, ECG, blood tests, etc. can detect serious health problems, if any, that has led to the swelling.