Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTraumatic InjuryGoutAnkle ArthritisInfectionVascular ObstructionTreatment of a Swollen Ankle
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Traumatic Injury
Gout
Ankle Arthritis
Infection
Vascular Obstruction
Treatment of a Swollen Ankle
The swelling of the lower leg and ankle is a common problem. Determining the cause of ankle swelling is the first step to finding an effective treatment. Once the cause of the ankle swelling is determined, effective treatment can be initiated.Ankle swelling causes the accumulation of fluid within the ankle joint or in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle. Common causes of ankle swelling include the following.Science Photo Library / Getty ImagesTraumatic InjuryA traumatic injury to the leg, including anankle sprainor abroken ankle, can be a cause of ankle swelling.Patients almost always remember the particular injury, but occasionally even subtle injuries can also lead to ankle swelling. Also,stress fracturescan occur around the ankle joint leading to swelling.What Is Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?GoutGout is due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals within the fluid of your ankle.Uric acid is a substance produced as part of metabolizing certain types of food and is normally excreted in the urine.People with gout abnormally accumulate uric acid crystals within joints, leading to inflammation and swelling.Ankle ArthritisAnkle arthritis is much less common than degenerative changes in other joints.However, ankle arthritis can occur and can be quite painful. Ankle arthritis is most common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or in patients with a previous injury to the ankle joint.Surgical treatments for ankle arthritis depends on the severity of the condition. As arthritis progresses, the options are usually limited to eitherankle fusionorankle replacement surgery.In mild cases of arthritis, such asanterior impingement, a less-invasive ankle arthroscopy may be helpful in removing bone spurs.Ankle Arthritis OverviewInfectionInfection is an unusual cause of ankle swelling as seen with tuberculosis.Infections can either occur in the soft tissues around the ankle joint (cellulitis) or in the joint itself (septic joint). Infections can often be treated with medications alone, but may also require surgery.Vascular ObstructionNumerous problems with blood flow can impair normal circulation and lead to swelling around the ankles. This can result from venous insufficiency, or in some cases, ablood clot, also known as a deep venous thrombosis (DVT).This type of vascular problem usually occurs in one leg (not both) and leads to swelling of the soft tissues throughout the foot and ankle. The swelling can also extend further up the leg.Treatment of a Swollen AnkleIt’s important for the most effective treatment of ankle swelling that you have an understanding of the cause of the condition. For immediate treatment, it is safe to perform the typical ‘R.I.C.E.’ treatment of the swelling.This means that in the early stages, one should rest, ice, compress and elevate the swollen joint. Once the specific cause of swelling is understood, you can proceed with more targeted interventions to help eliminate the swelling.What It Means to Have Cankles
The swelling of the lower leg and ankle is a common problem. Determining the cause of ankle swelling is the first step to finding an effective treatment. Once the cause of the ankle swelling is determined, effective treatment can be initiated.
Ankle swelling causes the accumulation of fluid within the ankle joint or in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle. Common causes of ankle swelling include the following.
Science Photo Library / Getty Images
A traumatic injury to the leg, including anankle sprainor abroken ankle, can be a cause of ankle swelling.Patients almost always remember the particular injury, but occasionally even subtle injuries can also lead to ankle swelling. Also,stress fracturescan occur around the ankle joint leading to swelling.
What Is Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?
Gout is due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals within the fluid of your ankle.Uric acid is a substance produced as part of metabolizing certain types of food and is normally excreted in the urine.People with gout abnormally accumulate uric acid crystals within joints, leading to inflammation and swelling.
Ankle arthritis is much less common than degenerative changes in other joints.However, ankle arthritis can occur and can be quite painful. Ankle arthritis is most common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or in patients with a previous injury to the ankle joint.
Surgical treatments for ankle arthritis depends on the severity of the condition. As arthritis progresses, the options are usually limited to eitherankle fusionorankle replacement surgery.In mild cases of arthritis, such asanterior impingement, a less-invasive ankle arthroscopy may be helpful in removing bone spurs.
Ankle Arthritis Overview
Infection is an unusual cause of ankle swelling as seen with tuberculosis.Infections can either occur in the soft tissues around the ankle joint (cellulitis) or in the joint itself (septic joint). Infections can often be treated with medications alone, but may also require surgery.
Numerous problems with blood flow can impair normal circulation and lead to swelling around the ankles. This can result from venous insufficiency, or in some cases, ablood clot, also known as a deep venous thrombosis (DVT).This type of vascular problem usually occurs in one leg (not both) and leads to swelling of the soft tissues throughout the foot and ankle. The swelling can also extend further up the leg.
It’s important for the most effective treatment of ankle swelling that you have an understanding of the cause of the condition. For immediate treatment, it is safe to perform the typical ‘R.I.C.E.’ treatment of the swelling.This means that in the early stages, one should rest, ice, compress and elevate the swollen joint. Once the specific cause of swelling is understood, you can proceed with more targeted interventions to help eliminate the swelling.
What It Means to Have Cankles
11 Sources
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Nogdallah S, Mustafa MEAE, Khairy AM, Fatooh M, Abd‐Elmaged HMA.Foot and ankle tuberculosis: A case report and review of the literature.Clinical Case Reports. 2023;11(6):e7483. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.7483
UpToDate.Surgical management of necrotizing soft tissue infections.
Ho E, Omari A.Prevalence of acute deep vein thrombosis in patients with ankle and foot fractures treated with nonoperative management—a pilot study.Int J Angiol. 2017;26(01):053-059. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1556054
Mizel MS, et al. “Evaluation and Treatment of Chronic Ankle Pain” J. Bone Joint Surg. Am., Mar 2004; 86: 622 - 632.
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