According to the South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine, swelling around one ankle can compress local nerves, causing toe numbness. Injuries that can lead to ankle swelling and toe numbness include ankle sprains, impingement syndrome and blood clots. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, but may include ice, compression and elevation of your affected ankle and foot. Contact your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Causes and Injuries
A severe ankle sprain can cause a tremendous amount of swelling around your ankle and foot. If this swelling is not controlled, it can impair normal blood flow to your foot and ankle, compress nerves and eventually lead to toe numbness. Another cause of left ankle swelling and toe numbness is ankle impingement syndrome, which is when soft tissue around your ankle, such as tendons, are compressed. Additional causes of left ankle swelling and toe numbness include tendinitis, a pinched nerve in your lower left back, diabetes and a blood clot in your left leg, also known as a deep vein thrombosis.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for ankle sprain include ankle instability, flat feet and weak ankle muscles. Previous injuries to your lower left back and left ankle can also increase your risk of ankle swelling and toe numbness on your left side. Repetitive movements with your left leg, ankle and foot may increase your risk of developing left ankle injuries, too. A soccer player, for example, who constantly plants their left foot to kick the ball with their right foot may be more susceptible to injuring his left ankle. Furthermore, being right-hand dominant may predispose you to a weaker left side and susceptible to left ankle injuries; however, this is not always the case.
Additional Symptoms
Ankle pain, joint instability, decreased range of motion and muscle weakness are common symptoms associated with a severe ankle sprain, tendinitis and impingement syndrome. Lower left back pain, tingling sensations in your left leg and muscle weakness are symptoms of a compressed nerve in your lower left back. According to a 2009 MayoClinic.com article, deep vein thrombosis can also cause symptoms of pale skin and pain in your calf, ankle and foot.
Treatment
Treatment for ankle sprain, tendinitis and impingement syndrome consists of rest, applying ice, compression and elevation of your ankle and foot. If you suffer from a compressed nerve in your lower left back, rest and ice your back. Take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to alleviate any persistent ankle swelling. Discuss with your doctor other treatment options, such as a walking boot, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy and surgery. Immediately consult your doctor if you are suffering from diabetes or a blood clot.
Prevention
To prevent future ankle injuries, strengthen your ankle muscles, wear shoes with adequate arch support and stretch regularly. Avoid repetitive movements with your left leg, ankle and foot to reduce your risk of ankle swelling and toe numbness. Slowly increase the duration and intensity of your physical activities to avoid further injury as well.
References
- “Foot and Ankle Clinics of North America”; Anterior and Posterior Ankle Impingement; C. Niek van Dijk, M.D., P.h.D.; 2006
- “American Family Physician”; Management of Ankle Sprains; Michael W. Wolfe, M.D., et al; January 2001
- South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine; Complications of Ankle Sprains; Augustine A. Bollo, D.P.M.
- MayoClinic.com; Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms; August 2009
- “Deutsches Ärzteblatt International”; Posterior Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment; Gregor Antoniadis, et al.; 2008
- “Clinical Sports Medicine”; Ankle Pain and Peroneal Tendon Pathology; Judith F. Baumhauer, M.D., et al.; 2004
