Swelling of the ankle and the lower leg is quite a common problem seen in people. Knowing the reason behind this ankle swelling is the primary step for finding its actual dealings. Once the reason behind its cause is determined, its operative treatment can be started.
Ankle swelling leads to the build-up of fluid in the ankle joints around the ankle and the foot. Swollen feet and ankles cause major problems if you have been walking and standing a lot. However, ankles and feet that remain swollen or are attended by other major symptoms could result into a harsh health issue. And so, you need to take medical advice from a doctor for your foot or ankle problems if they continue without any particular physical reason.
Ankle swelling is also known by the word edema and is an outcome from orthopedic problems, some kind of trauma, body overweight, serious medical infections, circulatory disorders, or heart-related issues.
Common Causes behind Swollen Ankles Comprises of below specific reasons
A) Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis is much fewer seen as compared to deteriorating changes in other joints. However, ankle arthritis can be caused and it is really painful. Ankle arthritis is majorly found in patients with severe joints injuries in the past or caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Surgical treatments for ankle arthritis are contingent on the sternness of the present condition. In some of the arthritis cases, which includes anterior impingement, bone spurs can be removed with a less-invasive ankle arthroscopy. However, when arthritis comes in advancement stages, the choices are typically limited to either ankle replacement surgery or fusion.
B) Traumatic Injury
A traumatic injury, such as a broken ankle or an ankle sprain, is the major reason for ankle swelling. It is not necessary that severe injuries only cause problems, even delicate injuries can also develop into serious ankle swelling. Also, stress fractures can happen surrounding the ankle joint further developing into a swelling.
C) Infection
Infection is an unfamiliar cause of ankle swelling. Infections are found in soft tissues surrounding the ankle joints. Infections may lead to surgeries and should not be taken lightly.
D) Vascular Obstruction
Frequent problems with the flow of blood can cause issues and can lead to swelling in the ankles. Blood clotting is its major reason, even known as DVT. These types of vascular problems are majorly found in one of the legs and can become serious with swelling on the soft tissues through the ankle and can be caused in the complete foot.
E) Peripheral Edema
Peripheral edema is again caused by circulation problems, but this time it is found in both the legs. Lower extremity edema can be caused by ageing of the veins with developments of chronic swelling, and medical conditions that can apply pressure on the veins in both the legs. These conditions comprise of obesity, and with serious issues of varicose veins.
F) Gout
Uric acid is produced with digestion process. Gout problems arise due to the gathering of these uric acid crystals in the ankle fluid. Many people with gout have serious issues with an accumulation of uric acid crystals within and even sometimes surrounding the joints, which further leads to swelling or inflammation.
Why Ankle Swelling should not be taken lightly
Ankle swelling can lead to or can be a symptom for life-threatening diseases. So, one should not take it lightly and seek for swift medical care through healthcare professionals. If you face issues along with ankle swelling like chest pain, light headedness, faintness, misperceptions, problem with breathing, or any other health troubles, you need to seek quick medical care.
Ankle swelling can also arise with symptoms and problems in relation to joint stiffness, swollen joints, body weakness, fatigue, fever, chills, headache, wet and mucus-producing cough, cramps in muscles, severe pain in different body parts, tender area, red, rash, condensed array of motion or movement and due to problems with varicose veins.
Healing of a Swollen Ankle
It’s key for the most effective cure of ankle swelling, that you have a complete understanding of the reason behind this medical condition. For instant treatment, it is better to have an ‘R.I.C.E.’ conduct of the ankle swelling. This means that in the initial stages, one should opt for or have rest, ice, compress and elevate swollen joints. And when you completely detect the particular reason behind this swelling, you can continue with more advanced treatments to cure the same.
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