Information on Treatment for Edema Ankle Swelling

Ankle edema is the swelling of the ankles caused by excess fluid that is being retained in the tissue. Ankle edema usually has an underlying cause, and treatment is usually aimed at curing this underlying cause.

Causes

• Ankle edema can be caused by eating too much salty food, sitting or standing for too long in the same position, pregnancy, or the menstrual cycle. It can also be a side effect of medications that dilate the blood vessels, anti-inflammatory medicines, or medicines that contain estrogen.

Other Causes

• Ankle edema can also be caused by serious medical problems that have to be immediately treated. These include: congestive heart failure, kidney disease, damaged leg veins, or an inadequate lymphatic system.

Significance

• If your ankle edema is caused by one of the above mentioned serious medical conditions then it is not a condition in itself, but a symptom. Treatment will be aimed at curing the serious condition, which in turn should cure the patients ankle edema.

Considerations

• Treatment for mild cases of ankle edema usually consists of simple lifestyle changes such as alterations in your diet and the way in which you spend your day.

Expert Insight

• Doctors may prescribe drugs to increase your kidney's output of water and sodium in order to treat ankle edema. Also, doctors will suggest that you stop taking medications that are known to produce ankle edema.