Swollen Ankles

A swollen ankle is a common symptom found in many foot disorders and injuries.  This is why it is often shrugged off or ignored as something that can be treated quickly. However, swollen ankles should still receive the necessary treatment required to heal properly.

Consult a podiatrist if swelling persists or worsens.

Causes of swollen ankle includes but not limited to:

• Pregnancy

• Drugs taken

• Injuries and trauma to lower extremities

• Dependent swelling

• Diseases such as liver failure, congestive heart failure, kidney problems, and many others.

• Lymphedema

• Infections

The symptoms of swelling may depend on the primary cause of the swollen ankle. Common signs and symptoms may include:

• Color change of the skin

• Changes in texture in the ankle

• Painless increase in foot and ankle size

• Skin is warm to touch

• Ulceration with pus drainage

A swollen ankle is clinically and medically diagnosed through clinical assessment, observation and conducting a physical exam. Other tests are also added to diagnose what the underlying cause is all about if not yet known.

Treatments for a swollen ankle are usually a part of the treatment for swollen feet. Treatments usually depend on the underlying cause and reasons. Most often, people with a swollen ankle require no treatment. While some of the others whose swollen ankle came from a different underlying cause, may require a different treatment. Most often, these treatments are for the underlying cause to be treated and not for the swollen ankle.

Complications are very rare but it can range from no complications at all to as simple as skin ulcerations which can result to infection or worse if left untreated.

Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.