Swollen Ankle

By Ehren Allen, Certified Manual Therapist/Physical Therapist

How do you Treat Swollen Ankle(s) and Feet?

Treating a swollen ankle or foot is dependent on the cause of the swelling. It could require a physician to help determine the cause. Several medical conditions may lead to increased swelling in the ankles.  If you would like to learn more about how to reduce swelling, please read this ARTICLE.

Some of these include:

• Venous Insufficiency: This occurs when the blood does not travel back out of the ankle and foot due to the veins’ problems.
• Sprained Ankle or Foot: Sprained ligament can cause swelling and pain in the ankle and foot.
• Fractures: Fracture in the foot causes a flood of blood and fluid to the area, accumulating in the ankle and foot.
• Lymphedema: The lymphatic system can be damaged or altered due to surgery or cancer. The drainage of fluids and waste from the ankle and foot may be compromised and cause increased swelling in the ankle and foot.

In most cases, ankle swelling can be treated by elevation and possibly compression stockings. Exercises such as ankle pumps (flexing and extending the foot) can push the ankles’ swelling. Concerning fractures, casting or immobilization could be needed to ensure proper healing. Generally, the swelling improves as healing occurs. Lymphedema is a complicated issue that may require a combination of compression and manual lymph drainage. A physical or occupational therapist commonly does treatment with specific training in lymphedema.

Can Swollen Ankles or Feet be Serious?

If there is proper treatment, swollen ankles typically improve. If left untreated, swollen ankles can lead to dangerous medical conditions. Also, if you have venous insufficiency, the blood may remain in the veins for an extended period of time, which may allow it to clot. Venous insufficiency can produce a life-threatening condition in which the clot may travel to the heart or lungs. Swelling due to diabetic conditions may lead to more complicated issues if there is a loss of sensation in the foot or ankle. The risk of infection is higher as healing occurs slower when patients have diabetes.

What Causes Water Retention in Ankles?

Water retention in the ankles may be due to any of the conditions listed above and treated with compression, elevation, and exercises. Medical management may be required, as well. In patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), the heart does not function at its full capacity and may be unable to facilitate the proper return of blood to the heart. CHF may lead to increased swelling in the legs and ankles. Therefore, water pills (diuretics) may be prescribed to remove the excess fluids from the ankles and legs.

How do you get rid of Swollen Ankle(s) and Feet?

Here are some steps to take if you want to limit swollen ankles and feet.

• Determine the cause: You may need to see a physician for medical management.
• Elevate the legs.
  

  Elevation of the Knee

• Use compression stockings.
• Utilize movement exercises.
• Limit the amount of salt you take in.
• Maintain a healthy body weight or BMI (Body Mass Index).
• To schedule an appointment for physical therapy at a JOI Rehab Center, please call 904-858-7045.

Related Articles:

• RICE Protocol for Injuries 
• When to Use Ice or Heat.

JOI and JOI Rehab

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.

Ice for a swollen ankleAuthor: Ehren Allen, PT, COMT