Swollen Ankles Treatment

Swelling of the ankles is a common condition, that can be related to either localized injury and infection or some diseases that affect the overall wellbeing of an individual. More commonly, swollen ankles are caused by the buildup of water or fluid in the ankle joints or the interstitial spaces, i.e. the spaces between the body cells or tissues. In medical science, this condition is known as fluid retention or edema.

Causes of Swelling in the Ankles
Most often, they are the result of injury, like sprains or strains. Next to injury, infection is another common cause of this condition. When infection occurs in the tissues around the ankle joint, it is known as cellulitis. On the other hand, septic joint is the term used to refer to the infection of the joint itself. Similarly, any injury to the posterior tibila tendon can also cause ankle swelling and pain. This condition is generally referred as ankle tendinitis. Apart from these, they may be a common occurrence among people with diseases like gout, ankle arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

In many instances, poor blood circulation can cause ankle swelling. Women are particularly prone to suffer from this condition during pregnancy, due to high blood pressure and preeclampsia. However, minor swelling can be attributed to the normal process, where the body is preparing for childbirth. Peripheral edema is another common condition associated with it. Sometimes, it may be a symptom of certain serious diseases related to the kidneys, liver or heart, that cause excess accumulation of fluid in the legs and feet.

Cure for Swelling in the Ankles
The treatment depends on the underlying causes. So, it is quite essential to visit a physician to properly diagnose the condition. Even if you know that a leg or ankle injury is the reason behind swollen ankles, it is better to consult an orthopedic doctor to find out the extent of damage. In the case of an ankle sprain or injury, it is very important to not place pressure on the injured ankle. In such a situation, you can use crutches to assist your movement. To get relief from the pain and discomfort, you can place your legs at an elevated level, usually above the level of the heart. Leg wedges can be used for this purpose.

For ankle sprain, an ice pack can be used within 48 hours of injury. It can be used for about 20 minutes at a time, which would provide great relief in ankle injury. Similarly, heat application can also ease the pain and swelling, by stimulating blood flow to the affected area. Anti-inflammatory medications are sometimes prescribed in case of severe pain and swelling of the ankles. If ankle swelling is mainly caused by poor blood circulation, due to sitting and standing for a long time at a stretch, then avoid such activities. Also increase the muscle activity of the affected area, to improve blood circulation.

But, if the swelling and inflammation persist for several days even after taking sufficient care, then the condition may require medical attention. As has been mentioned already, it can be caused by various diseases including liver and kidney diseases, edema, arthritis, and congestive heart failure. In such a situation, different medications may be required for the treatment to target the specific causes. In the meantime, drink plenty of water, minimize salt intake and avoid laxatives, alcohol and cigarettes.

So, basically one can see that the treatment options can vary considerably, depending on the underlying causes. Hence, proper treatment would require detection of the factors responsible for this condition. Therefore, if the situation does not improve within few days, consult your physician to find out if any major disease is causing ankle swelling.