If you have noticed that your ankles are swelling up, it is probably due to a medical condition. By knowing what these conditions are, you are better able to determine what could be the cause and what kind of medical attention is needed. Here are the most common reasons your ankle may be swelling up.
Arthritis
If you suffer from arthritis, which is inflammation of your joints, it may affect your feet and ankles. This is a common condition that causes swelling and discomfort of the ankle, especially if you have osteoarthritis of the foot. Another type of arthritis that can lead to swelling of your ankle is called gout, which not only causes swelling, but intense pain of your foot and ankle. In addition, if you have an autoimmune condition combined with arthritis, it can also cause your ankles to swell.
Trauma
A common reason for your ankle to swell is due to trauma. If you have recently had a traumatic injury of the foot or ankle, such as a fracture, torn tendon, or sprain, it can cause some swelling. In the case of a sprain, there isn't much treatment involved. The swelling will eventually go down after getting rest and staying off your foot. You can also get trauma from overuse of your foot, which leads to bursitis and tendonitis.
Vein Conditions
If you have any type of vein problems in your leg, it can lead to swelling in your calf and your ankle. The veins in your legs may experience problems, like spider veins or varicose veins. Not only can these be uncomfortable and unattractive to look at, but they can also cause some swelling. If they become a problem, you should see a doctor to talk about treatment.
Infections
There are a few different types of infections that can cause swelling of your ankle. The first is a skin infection, that often accompanies redness, pain, and warmth of the area. You may also have a type of athlete's foot or swelling from a toe infection that has spread throughout the foot and ankle. If you think an infection is the reason your ankle is swelling, speak to a doctor right away.
Medical Conditions
In some cases, the ankle swelling isn't really related to your foot or ankle, but caused by another type of medical condition. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), diabetes, pregnancy, and chronic sleep apnea can all lead to your ankle swelling.
If your ankle is swelling and you aren't sure of the cause, speak to a podiatrist, such as Advanced Foot & Ankle Center of Palatine, to get it treated.
Share29 January 2015
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