Swollen Ankles
Diagnosing Swollen Ankles
There are many reasons swollen ankles may develop, they can be the result of sporting injury or medical conditions. It is important that if you develop swollen ankles and are not sure what the cause is that you consult your local doctor or physiotherapist as it could be the result of a serious medical condition. Ankle braces are made to take pressure off your ankles and provide compression.
Common causes of Swollen Ankles
- Sporting injury: one of the most common causes of swollen ankles is due to sporting injury, spraining an ankle will cause inflammation and swelling to the affected area. Pain will also be felt whenever weight is applied to the foot.
- Pregnancy: during pregnancy the body retains more fluid, as the body adjusts to the physical changes, blood flow throughout the body can change or even become restricted – commonly resulting in swelling of areas such as ankles.
- Blood clots: if an ankle suddenly becomes swollen and causes moderate to high amounts of pain, it could be the result of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis). If this is the case, medical assessment is required.
- Obesity/Diabetes: Edema is a medical condition that develops throughobesity or excessive weight gain causing swollen legs, ankles or feet.
- Infection: foot infections can become more common as a result of a medical condition called diabetic neuropathy, caused diabetes.
Treating Swollen Ankles
“RICE” is a simple method that is used for a lot of common injuries, but can also be used to manage swelling that isn’t caused by injury as well.
- Rest: resting is always a key component of recovery
- Ice/cryotherapy: to reduce the swelling (important for sporting injuries)
- Compression: is a common treatment for swollen ankles caused by medical condition such as diabetes neuropathy
- Elevation: keeping your legs elevated above your heart while laying down or resting
Other self-treatments include:
- Avoiding: tight or restrictive clothing,
- Stretching and mobility exercises: encourage flexibility and range or motion in the muscle and joints
- Exercise: consistently to ensure a healthy body
- Keep moving: try not to remain standing/sitting constantly for a long period of time, allow the joints and muscles to exercise movement
Our ankle braces range from medical post-operative to sport support to get you back to your regular activities. These easy application braces are designed to be a simple and provide stabilisation. These solutions range from lace-up and strap and have breathable material to keep your foot cool and dry.
