A swollen ankle can be the byproduct of an injury or fluid retention known as edema. Twisted ankles can happen in the blink of an eye, and retaining fluid in the ankles may be the result of long periods of sitting, of medication, or of an underlying health condition such as high blood pressure. Looking for a few telltale signs will help you determine whether you have ankle swelling.
Step 1
Inspect your ankle if you have twisted it, or injured it in some other way. Swelling should develop quickly, and may be mild or severe depending on the nature of the injury. Also look for any discoloration or bruising. Visit your doctor or an emergency room if you injure your ankle and notice it growing beyond its normal size.
Step 2
Look for puffiness around the top of your foot, or near one or both of the outside ankle bones. Edema may cause a full, almost bloated look to the ankle.
Step 3
Check for a glossy appearance to the skin, as it stretches out from swelling. Pressing on the skin may leave an indentation if you have developed an edema.
Step 4
Move your ankle slowly in a circular motion to determine if you have a diminished range of motion. A swollen ankle will feel tight and restrictive when you try to move it.
