Swollen ankles are very common and not a cause for too much worry. They are painful at times but do not pose any serious threat. The main reason for swollen ankles or feet would be pressure on the legs. So, walking or standing for a long time may typically lead to swelling of the ankles.
In most of the cases, swollen feet and ankles get better on their own. They go away in a short time with enough rest to the legs. But sometimes the swelling may remain for a long time. It may cause severe symptoms and lead to serious complications. Here we discuss the various causes and the treatment options for swollen ankles.
Causes
There are many causes of swollen ankles. It may occur due to an injury or any underlying medical conditions. Doctors tend to place importance on understanding the cause of swollen ankles before delving into different swollen ankles treatment options. So, understanding some of the causes is important. Some of the common causes of swollen ankles are:
Treatment
A swollen ankle is a temporary condition and usually does not need any treatment. But sometimes, the condition may be severe and cause painful symptoms. In such cases, swollen ankles and feet may require a medical treatment for swollen ankles.
The doctors conduct various tests to determine the causes of the symptoms. These tests may include:
These tests help the doctor diagnose the presence of other medical conditions. Depending upon the cause, the doctor decides the type of swollen ankle treatment.
Diuretics are medications which treat swollen ankles caused by congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure prevents the heart from circulating the blood. It leads to a build-up of excess fluids in the body and in turn causes swollen ankles. If this condition causes swollen ankles, diuretics could be a treatment. Diuretics reduce the build-up of fluids and helps to treat the ankles.
Compression treatments are also helpful to reduce the swelling from lymphedema. Lymphedema usually occurs after cancer treatment, which removes the lymph nodes. The fluids remain in the body and lead to swollen ankles. Through compression treatments, the fluids flow out and reduce the swelling.
Sometimes, kidney disorders also cause swollen ankles and feet. When the kidneys do not function properly, it leads to an increase in the salt content of the blood, leading to the retention of water. This makes the legs and feet swollen. Treatments options like high blood pressure medications, diuretics, cholesterol-lowering medications, anemia medications, low-protein diet, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and phosphate binder medications may help in reducing swollen ankles caused by kidney disease.
A few over-the-counter (OTC) medications help in relieving the pain and swelling. The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines like Advil or Aleve. Swollen ankles due to injuries may need bone setting or a cast. Sometimes surgery may be an option to repair the injuries. But this is only in the case of severe injuries.
Self-care
Often, when the symptoms of swollen ankles are mild, one can take a few self-care measures to reduce them. There are various leg and ankle swelling remedies. The self-care treatment is generally referred to with the acronym RICE:
Outlook
Swollen ankles are generally not a cause for concern. The home remedies are helpful in reducing mild symptoms. When the symptoms are severe, it needs medical attention. At times, it may also lead to serious complications. Hence, when the symptoms increase, one must consult the doctor immediately. It is not advisable to take any medications as a cure for swollen feet and ankles without consulting a doctor.