How to Know If Your Ankle Is Swelling

Medically speaking, swelling is known as edema. Swelling is caused when fluid gathers in small spaces around body tissues and organs. While edema can occur anywhere in the body, swollen ankles are relatively common. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, nearly 25,000 people sprain their ankles on a daily basis. Swollen ankles can result from injury or from a variety of medical conditions.

Instructions

Appearance

• 1

  Watch for the initial signs and causes of swelling. If your ankle is swollen due to injury, you will know it almost immediately as the ankle will balloon after your injury. Your ankle will become puffy and hard to walk on. Bruising often materializes, as does redness. In addition to injuries, swollen ankles can occur due to other factors including pregnancy, allergic reactions, standing for long periods of time, drug abuse, and varicose veins. Ankle swelling not caused by trauma can be most uncomfortable after long periods of sitting or standing because of gravity.

• 2

  Look for a stretched, glossy appearance on your ankle's skin. If you touch your ankle for a few seconds and a dimple is left in your skin, then your ankle is swollen.

• 3

  Watch for increased puffiness or other symptoms. If you are suffering from a swollen ankle, you may initially be aware that your ankle puffs up more throughout the day. If the edema is caused by a medical condition, the FootSmart Web site reports that you will have other symptoms which can include high blood pressure, headaches, having to go to the bathroom more often, palpitations, weight gain, and puffiness around the eyes.