What You Need to Know about A Swollen Ankle
There are days when your foot seems to swell up, ache badly, and appears a size bigger than it normally is. Wearing socks and shoes becomes a stressful affair as the swelling prevents you from fitting right in. Putting your foot down on the ground also becomes excruciatingly painful, and all you may think about is a hot bath and some bed rest.

Here’s all you need to know about having swollen feet and ankles.

What are the common causes of a swollen ankle?

• A swollen ankle may be the result of one or more of the following causes:
• An injury to the foot from an accident or during some form of physical exertion; for example, while playing sports.
• Wearing tight shoes, tight-fitted leggings and jeans that put too much pressure on the muscles, high heels, and tight socks or stockings for long periods.
• Standing or sitting for long hours at a stretch without moving.
• Consuming a diet that is high in salt.
• Bites on and around the feet and ankles from insects such as mosquitoes and fleas may lead to swelling.
• Burn wounds that arise from contact with a hot substance such as boiling water or from spending too much time in the sun.

What are the medical causes of a swollen ankle?

• Being overweight, which leads to decreased blood circulation and a fluid buildup in the ankles and feet.
• The consumption of certain medications such as steroids, antidepressants, certain diabetes medications, contraceptives, anti-inflammatory drugs as well as hormones.
• Pregnancy and severe hormonal fluctuations can also be one of the causes.
• Congestive heart failure may lead to a swelling in the ankles and feet.
• A blood clot formed due to deep vein thrombosis.
• Swollen ankles may indicate impending kidney failure or liver disease.
• Bacterial infection on the feet, such as cellulitis, causes swollen ankles and feet.
• Arthritis and gout, which are known to cause swelling at the joints.

When should you see a doctor?

• Feet and ankle swelling usually go away on their own after sufficient rest. However, if the problem persists, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
• You need to consult a doctor if your ankle swells during an ongoing treatment for heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or during pregnancy.
• Check with a doctor if you have persistently swollen ankles accompanied by increased body temperature.
• Visit a doctor immediately if the swelling seems to increase despite taking rest and undergoing minimal strain.

How is a swollen ankle diagnosed?

• To diagnose a swollen ankle, a doctor will conduct a physical examination of the affected area to find points of tenderness as well as recommend an X-ray.
• Other tests to diagnose the exact cause of feet and ankle swelling include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computerized tomography (CT) scan, or an ultrasound.
• In some cases, blood tests may be recommended to check blood cell count as well as examine the health of internal organs such as the kidneys and the liver.
• An electrocardiogram (ECG) may also be done to examine the heart’s functioning.

What is the common course of treatment for a swollen ankle?

• If the swelling of the ankle is due to an injury, an orthopedic surgeon undertakes the treatment.
• Depending on the severity of the condition, the patient either needs to undergo a surgery or a therapy or both, followed by medication that includes painkillers.

What are some common home remedies for treating a swollen ankle?

• Swollen feet and ankles demand sufficient rest for a full recovery.
• An ice pack helps reduce the swelling and provides relief from the discomfort and pain that accompanies it.
• Sleeping with a swollen foot at an elevated position helps drain excess fluid, thereby improving blood circulation.
• Reduce your intake of salt. Experts recommend that an average adult should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of salt per day.