Ankle swelling and pain

Ankle swelling and pain are common symptoms that can result from ankle injuries, or from or other health conditions that affect the lower extremities or joints. Pain and swelling that result from injury will often dissipate naturally over time.

Ankle Injury

• If the ankle is subjected to a trauma such as a sprain or a blunt impact, pain and swelling is likely to follow. Severe injuries may cause swelling that is blue or purple due to bruising.

Edema

• Edema is a condition in which fluids build up in the body, resulting in swelling that can be painful. The ankles are especially prone to edema because excess body fluids tend to pool in the feet and ankles.

Arthritis

• Arthritis is a condition in which the padding connective tissue of a joint breaks down, which can result in chronic pain. Arthritis of the ankles especially affects the elderly and those with previous ankle injuries.

Other Causes

• In some cases, ankle swelling and pain may indicate potentially serious underlying conditions such as infections, allergic reactions, blockage of the lymph nodes in the legs and liver, kidney or heart problems.

Treatment

• Proper treatment of ankle pain and swelling will depend on the cause, but resting the ankle and avoiding activity while icing the joint periodically usually can help reduce pain and swelling.

Prevention

• Avoiding high-impact activities that may cause damage to the ankles will help reduce the changes of ankle pain and swelling. Wearing properly fitting shoes and doing exercises to strengthen the feet and calf muscles can also help prevent injury.