Swollen Ankles: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Mild ankle swelling is very common and usually harmless. However, it’s important to understand what can cause swollen ankles so you can seek urgent treatment if necessary.

Here are the eight most common causes of swollen ankles and feet:

1. Standing or Walking for Extended Periods of Time: Too much weight-bearing pressure on your ankle joint can lead to fluid retention and swelling in the ankles and feet.
2. Medication Side Effects: Fluid retention in the ankles, causing swelling, is a common side effect of many medications, including those for inflammation, diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular problems.
3. Injury: If you fall or take a hard knock to the ankle, you can sprain or fracture it, resulting in ankle swelling.
4. Infection: Swelling is a significant part of inflammation, which is your immune system’s response to infection. This response leads to excess fluid, white blood cells, hormones, and nutrients flooding to the infected and swollen ankle.
5. Lymphedema: This condition causes fluid retention and swelling in either your arms or lower legs. It often occurs after lymph nodes have been removed or damaged.
6. Blood Clots: If there is a blockage in the blood vessels around your lower leg, fluid can leak into your tissue, resulting in a swollen ankle or foot.
7. Disease: Diseases affecting the heart, liver, or kidneys can influence fluid distribution in your body, leading to swelling in the ankles and feet.
8. Pregnancy: Fluid retention is a very common (and usually harmless) side effect of pregnancy, often resulting in swollen ankles and feet.

Understanding these swollen foot causes and reasons for swollen ankles can help you identify when to seek medical attention for more serious conditions.

Swollen ankles and feet often appear puffy or enlarged compared to the other leg. The skin may look stretched, shiny, or discoloured, and indentations may remain after pressing on the swollen area. You might also notice increased warmth or tenderness in the affected area.

Differentiating Normal and Concerning Levels of Swelling

Normal Swelling: Mild swelling after prolonged standing or walking, which subsides with rest and elevation of the legs.

Concerning Swelling: Sudden, severe swelling accompanied by pain, redness, warmth, or difficulty walking may indicate a serious condition, such as a blood clot or infection, requiring immediate medical attention.

If you're experiencing mild swelling, here are some effective home remedies for swollen feet:

1. Elevate Your Feet: Prop your feet up on pillows while resting to encourage fluid drainage and reduce swelling.
2. Cold Compress: Apply a cold pack or a cloth soaked in cold water to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes to help reduce inflammation and numb discomfort.
3. Gentle Exercise: Engage in light activities like walking or ankle circles to promote circulation and prevent stiffness.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out excess sodium and reduce fluid retention.
5. Epsom Salt Soak: Soak your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salt to relax muscles and reduce swelling.

These foot swelling treatments can provide relief and are easy to implement at home.

Swollen ankles can sometimes indicate a more serious condition. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Sudden and Severe Pain: Intense pain that occurs suddenly may suggest a fracture or blood clot.
• Signs of Infection: Redness, warmth, fever, or pus around the swollen area can indicate an infection.
• Inability to Bear Weight: Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle may require medical evaluation.
• Deformity: Any visible deformity or abnormal shape of the ankle should be assessed by a doctor.
• Persistent Swelling: Swelling that does not improve with home remedies or lasts for several days.

Recognising these signs of swollen ankles can help ensure timely medical intervention.

• RICE Method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation can significantly reduce swelling. Rest your feet, apply ice packs, use compression bandages, and elevate your legs.
• Compression Stockings or Supports: Wearing compression stockings can improve circulation and minimise swelling in the ankles and feet. Try a Elastoplast’s Elastic Tubular Compression Bandage or an Elastoplast Crepe Bandage for fast, easy relief, support and to reduce swelling.
• Lifestyle Changes: Incorporate regular exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and stay hydrated to help manage fluid retention. Wearing a Comfort Ankle Support or Performance Ankle Support can help prevent injuries and protect ankles when exercising.

To effectively manage and prevent swelling in feet and ankles, consider the following practical advice.

Dos:

• Stay Active: Engage in regular low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling to promote circulation.
• Elevate Your Feet: Whenever possible, elevate your legs to reduce fluid retention.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing salt intake to minimise fluid retention.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose supportive shoes that fit well to avoid unnecessary pressure on your ankles.
• Use Supportive Gear: Consider wearing compression stockings to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Like the Elastoplast’s Elastic Tubular Compression Bandage or Elastoplast Crepe Bandage.

Don'ts:

• Do Not Stand or Sit for Long Periods: Avoid prolonged periods of immobility; take breaks to move around.
• Do Not Wear Tight Clothing: Avoid clothes, socks, or shoes that are too tight, as they can restrict circulation and contribute to swelling.

Elastoplast offers effective solutions for managing swollen ankles, including:

• Compression support for weak ankles
• Protective ankle support for protection and relief
• Ankle stabiliser to stabilise the joint and minimise pain
• Performance ankle support to support active recovery

Explore the range for optimal relief and support. Find out how to strap your ankle here.