Swelling in the ankle can be the result of an injury, such as a sprain, or a chronic medical condition, such as congestive heart failure or peripheral arterial disease. Some treatments for acute ankle swelling may be different than treatments for chronic swelling, while others may be similar. No matter what the cause, it's important to treat a swollen ankle to avoid long-term damage to the joint or the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves that surround it.
Swelling from an ankle sprain can be treated using the RICE principle, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. As soon as possible after the injury, ice your ankle for 20 to 30 minutes, and repeat the icing a few times each day. Lie down and get your foot above the level of your heart, and wrap the ankle with a pressure bandage as needed for stability. Be careful not to wrap the bandage too tightly---your toes should not feel tingly---and remove the bandage for awhile every few hours. These treatments, along with resting the ankle, should be done for the first 48 to 72 hours after your injury in order to keep the swelling down. See your doctor if you have prolonged swelling of the ankle.
Compression Stockings
Compression and elevation are also often recommended in the treatment of ankle swelling resulting from prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy or the menstrual cycle. While it's not always possible to find a place to elevate your legs, wearing compression stockings is a convenient way to treat swelling over a longer period of time. Basic support hose or TED (thrombo embolic deterrent) stockings can be purchased at many retail stores. Be sure the size is right, as too tight stockings can reduce blood flow to the ankles and feet, and if they're too loose, they won't do the job.
If your swollen ankles are due to peripheral edema from diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency, or other conditions of poor blood flow, compression stockings are essential, especially in the heat of summer, according to a statement by podiatrist Kent DiNucci of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. When store-bought hose don't keep the swelling under control, your doctor will prescribe custom-fit compression stockings.
Exercises
If you sit or stand in one place for a long time, your blood tends to pool in your legs, especially around your ankles. One simple way to deal with this is to do ankle pumps by pointing and flexing your feet, or moving your feet in circles. Do 10 to 20 repetitions of each every hour when you're on an airplane or sitting in a car. You can also take a break from sitting, and either walk up and down the aisle of the plane, or get out of your car and walk around it a couple of times.
After the pain of an ankle sprain subsides, the online Sports Injury Clinic recommends the same simple ankle pumps and circle exercises to reduce swelling and maintain range of motion of the injured ankle.
Drugs
While most ankle swelling can be dealt with using some or all of the simple RICE techniques and exercise, your doctor may also prescribe diuretics to help you get rid of excess fluids that build up if you have a medical condition such as congestive heart failure.
References
- National Library of Medicine: Foot, leg, and ankle swelling
- American College of Cardiology: Peripheral Vascular Diseases and You
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Ankle Sprain Treatment
- American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: Avoid Risks of Summer Heat to Diabetic Feet
- Sports Injury Clinic: Sprained Ankle
