What Causes a Swollen Ankle?

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When your ankle appears to be larger than normal it may be an indication of fluid retention or an injury. The skin becomes tight and stretched out, and the area may be painful, especially when standing or walking. Causes of swelling may include being overweight, poor circulation, pregnancy, blood cl
When your ankle appears to be larger than normal it may be an indication of fluid retention or an injury. The skin becomes tight and stretched out, and the area may be painful, especially when standing or walking. Causes of swelling may include being overweight, poor circulation, pregnancy, blood clots, arthritis, or injury. Taking certain prescription medication can also be a causative factor. Swelling in the leg or ankle could be caused by inflammation from an injury such as an ankle sprain, a broken bone, a ruptured tendon, or torn ligament. Mild swelling or edema can be caused by pregnancy, premenstrual cramps, consuming too much salt, or standing for extended periods of time. If your ankle is swollen or painful, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a full diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher from Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions. Causes The most common causes of ankle pain include: Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout) Ankle sprains Broken ankles Achilles tendinitis Achilles tendon rupture Stress fractures Bursitis Tarsal tunnel syndrome Plantar fasciitis Symptoms Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation. Diagnosis Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests. Treatment Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs. Read more about Ankle Pain