Ankle swelling

Description

If both ankles are swollen, possible causes are vein disease (venous insufficiency, cardiac insufficiency, kidney disease, progressive liver disease). If only one ankle is swollen, possible causes are an ankle sprain, another type of ankle disease, vein thrombus (Deep Vein Thrombosis), infection, gout or some other ankle inflammation.

Symptoms

Both ankles – normally without the pain. Only one ankle – pain, swelling, redness, increased local warmth, reduced mobility.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Blood analysis and X-rays scan will also be done for identifying the cause of swelling. CDS-color-doppler scan could be done in order to exclude thrombus (DVT). If there is liquid in the ankle, a sample for analysis could be taken (arthrocentesis).

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC) and X-rays.

Additional analyses

Arthrocentesis, CDS-color-doppler scan.

Specialists

General Medicine, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Podiatry

Therapy

Depends on the cause of swelling. Therapies could include ankle elevation, diuretics (pills for ejection of water), anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (broken/ibuprofen, naproxen), paracetamol, immobilization, and antibiotics.