Ankle swelling and pain

Ankle pain and swelling are some of the most frequent problems of the joints that many people experience. In the majority of cases, ankle pain happens due to the ankle sprain, which is the injury of the ligaments that link the bones together. However, pain in the ankle might be caused also by the twisted ankle when the ligaments are torn. Furthermore, tendons, cartilages and blood vessels might also be damaged and cause ankle pain and swelling.

Pain and swelling in an ankle usually last several days and this problem requires about two or three weeks to heal completely. However, the affected ankle becomes prone to other injuries and fractures.

Causes of ankle pain and swelling

One of the most common causes of ankle pain and swelling is an injury or trauma. The most common traumatic injuries are broken ankle, ankle sprain, twisted ankle and ruptured blood vessels. When any of these injuries occurs, the blood circulation in the ankle region increases in order to speed up the healing process.Peripheral edema is a condition that causes ankle swelling, although pain in both legs is also present due to certain problems with blood vessels and blood circulation in the ankle region.Ankle arthritis and gout are also responsible for the occurrence of ankle pain and swelling. Ankle arthritis is actually a very rare condition that usually occurs in people who already suffer from rheumatic arthritis. On the other hand, gout is not a rare condition and it occurs due to excessive accumulation of uric acid crystals in the ankle region.Vascular obstruction, such as blood clot in one of the legs may also lead to the appearance of swollen and painful ankle.Furthermore, ankle pain and swelling are also caused by ankle infections that occur to the soft tissues of the ankle.In women, ankle pain and swelling may occur due to menstruation and pregnancy.

Swollen and painful ankle could also be induced by several other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis and scleroderma, as well as bug bites, insect stings, unsuitable footwear, unhealthy diet and long-standing posture.

Treatment for ankle pain and swelling

When one suffers from ankle pain and swelling, the first thing he/she should do is rest the affected ankle. The leg should be elevated and not moved, although it is also recommended to apply ice packs on the swelling for about 10 to 15 minutes every half an hour for two days.