Swollen Ankles and Feet
Edema ankles and swollen feet are common and usually not cause for concern, particularly if you’ve got been standing or walking a lot. But feet and ankles that stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms could signal a significant health problem.
Pregnancy complications
Sometimes swelling of the ankles and feet is normal during pregnancy. Sudden or excessive swelling, however, could also be a symbol of preeclampsia, a significant condition during which high blood pressure and protein within the urine develop after the 20th week of pregnancy. If you experience severe swelling or swelling accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, headaches, infrequent urination, nausea, and vomiting, or vision changes, call your doctor immediately. Learn more about managing a high-risk pregnancy.
Foot or ankle injury
An injury to the foot or ankle can cause swelling. the foremost common maybe a sprained ankle, which occurs when an injury or misstep causes the ligaments that hold the ankle in place to be stretched beyond their normal range. to reduce the Edema from a foot or ankle injury, rest to avoid walking on the injured ankle or foot, use ice packs, wrap the foot or ankle with a crepe bandage, and elevate the foot on a stool or pillow. If swelling and pain is severe or doesn’t improve with home treatment, see your physician. Learn more about the way to treat a sprained ankle.
Lymphedema
This is often a collection of lymphatic fluid within the tissues which will develop due to the absence of or problems with the lymph vessels or after the removal of lymph nodes. Lymph may be a protein-rich fluid that normally travels alongside an extensive network of vessels and capillaries. it’s filtered through the lymph nodes, which trap and destroy unwanted substances, like bacteria. When there’s a problem with the vessels or lymph nodes, however, the fluid’s movement is often blocked. Untreated, lymph buildup can impair wound healing and cause infection and deformity. Lymphedema is common following radiation therapy in patients with cancer. If you’ve got undergone cancer treatment and knowledge swelling, see your doctor directly. See a photograph of what lymphedema seems like.
Venous insufficiency
Swelling of the ankles and feet is usually an early symptom of venous insufficiency, a condition during which blood inadequately moves up the veins from the legs and feet up to the heart. Normally, the vein’s blood flowing upward with one-way valves. When these valves become damaged or weakened, the blood leaks back down the vessels, and fluid is retained within the soft tissue of the lower legs, especially the ankles and feet. Chronic venous insufficiency can cause skin changes, skin ulcers, and infection. If you feel signs of venous insufficiency you ought to see your doctor. determine more about chronic venous insufficiency.
Infection
Swelling within the feet and ankles are often a sign of infection. Women with diabetic neuropathy or other nerve problems of the feet are at greater risk for foot infections. If you’ve got diabetes, it’s important to examine your feet daily for blisters and sores, because nerve damage can blunt the pain sensation and foot problems can progress quickly. If you notice a swollen foot or blister that appears to be infected, contact your doctor directly. Learn more about the way to look after feet with diabetes.
Blood clot
Blood clots that form within the veins of the legs can stop the return flow of blood from the legs back up to the heart and cause swelling within the ankles and feet. Blood clots are often either superficial (occurring within the veins just beneath the skin), or deep (a condition referred to as deep vein thrombosis). Deep clots can block one or more of the main veins of the legs. These blood clots are often life-threatening if they break loose and travel to the heart and lungs. If you’ve got swelling in one leg, alongside pain, low-grade fever, and possibly a change in color of the affected leg, call your doctor immediately. Treatment with blood thinners could also be necessary. Learn more about deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Heart, liver, or kidney disease
Sometimes swelling can indicate a problem like heart, liver, or renal disorder. Ankles that swell within the evening might be a symbol of retaining salt and water due to right-sided coronary failure. kidney disease also can cause foot and ankle swelling. When kidneys aren’t functioning properly, fluid can build up within the body. liver disease can affect the liver’s production of a protein called albumin, which keeps the blood from leaking out of the blood vessels into the encompassing tissues. Inadequate albumin production can cause fluid leakage. Gravity causes fluid to accumulate more within the feet and ankles, but fluid also can accumulate within the abdomen and chest. If your swelling is amid other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor directly. If you are feeling in need of breath or have pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911. Learn more about the renal disorder and its symptoms.
Medication side effects
Many drugs can cause swelling within the feet and ankles as a possible side effect. They include:
Hormones like estrogen (found in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy) and testosterone
Calcium channel blockers, a kind of blood pressure medication, which includes nifedipine (Adalat, Afeditab, Nifediac, Nifedical, Procardia), amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Diltia, Tiazac), felodipine (Plendil), and verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Verelan)
Steroids, including androgenic and anabolic steroids and corticosteroids like prednisone
Antidepressants, including tricyclics, like nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), desipramine (Norpramin), and amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip); and monoamine oxidases (MAO) inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Diabetes medications.