Possible causes of swollen ankle

An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments that support the ankle. The ligaments are structures that control excessive movement of the joint. When an ankle sprain happens, the ligament is stretched too far, and is either partially or completely torn.

Ankle Sprain

Broken Ankle

Ankle fractures also occur during slips on icy pavement, falls from a high place, or direct impacts to the ankle during a car crash or motorcycle accident. High-impact ankle injuries are especially dangerous if the bone pokes through the skin and is exposed to the air.

• Gout is due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals within the fluid of your ankle.

• People with gout abnormally accumulate uric acid crystals within joints, leading to inflammation and swelling.

Gout

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.

Ankle Arthritis

Infection is an unusual cause of ankle swelling. Infections can either occur in the soft tissues around the ankle joint (cellulitis) or in the joint itself (septic joint). 

Infection

Numerous problems with blood flow can impair normal circulation and lead to swelling around the ankles. The most common cause of vascular obstruction is a blood clot, also known as a 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. 

Vascular Obstruction

Peripheral edema is also a circulation problem, but is seen in both legs, not just one. Lower extremity edema can be due to aging of the veins leading to chronic swelling, as well as other conditions that can place pressure on the leg veins.

Peripheral Edema

• RNV Podiatry offers a comprehensive list of podiatric services. We provide the accessibility and personal commitment you expect from an expert podiatrist.

• For your flat feet pain treatment, hammertoe treatment or foot and ankle pain treatment visit RNV Podiatry.

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