Many types of disorders can cause ankle swelling, including injuries, inflammatory conditions, blood vessel abnormalities and systemic diseases. Some types of ankle swelling are accompanied by discomfort and limited use of the ankle. Other types of ankle swelling, or edema, prove painless and do not interfere with joint function. Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of ankle swelling is the first step in initiating an effective treatment plan.
Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that hold the anklebones together overstretch and tear. Pain with weight bearing, bruising, instability of the joint and swelling are typical symptoms of a sprained ankle. The amount of swelling correlates with the severity of the injury. The extent of tearing in the ankle ligaments determines the appropriate treatment, which ranges from rest and strengthening therapy to surgical restoration of the ligaments. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 25,000 people in the United States sustain an ankle sprain each day.
Arthritis
Arthritis often affects the ankles, reports the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. Symptoms of ankle arthritis include swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of mobility in the joint. The level of swelling of the ankle often reflects the degree of active joint inflammation. A previous injury to the ankle increases the risk for the development of ankle arthritis. Obesity also increases the risk for the most common form of ankle arthritis, osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease of the joints, often affects both ankles. Treatment for ankle arthritis depends on the type of arthritis and the severity of the disease. With disabling ankle arthritis, fusion of the anklebones or joint replacement may be advised.
Blood Clot
A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg, also known as deep venous thrombosis, frequently causes swelling in the lower leg and ankle. The swelling may be accompanied by aching pain in the affected leg, although this symptom is not uniformly present. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports that risk factors for a deep venous thrombosis in the leg include prolonged inactivity, immobility due to illness or surgery, an injury to the leg, pregnancy, female hormone therapy and overweight or obesity. Treatment with a blood thinner, or anticoagulant, prevents growth of the clot. The medication also helps prevent the clot from dislodging and traveling to the lungs.
Heart Failure
Swelling of the ankles and feet is a hallmark symptom of heart failure, reports the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. With heart failure, the weakened pumping capacity of the heart causes water retention by the kidneys. Excess fluid in the bloodstream leaks into the tissues, causing painless edema. Medications to help improve heart function and diuretics to promote urinary excretion of water can often decrease ankle swelling associated with heart failure.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Sprained Ankle
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society: Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Deep Venous Thrombosis
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Heart Failure
