Why is my ankle swollen?
Ankle swelling is one of the more common symptoms of issues in the lower legs. It can be caused by a wide range of problems, including;
- Injury in the ankle or foot
- Allergies
- Medication side-effects
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Lymphedema
- Dietary issues
- Cellulitis
- Pregnancy
There are two main types of ankle swelling:
Short-term: Swelling that comes on suddenly and lasts for anywhere from 2 days to 6 weeks. This is normally due to injury or a reaction to something.
Long-term: Swelling that builds up over time and doesn’t go away after extended periods or is recurring. This is normally due to disease, insufficiency of some kind or other chronic issues.
Learn more: 3 simple solutions to manage ankle swelling.
Can I walk on a swollen ankle?
If your ankle is swollen, and you’re not sure if you should walk on it, ask yourself the following questions:
Does it hurt every time you put weight on that foot?
Is there a feeling of numbness or pins and needles each time you step on that leg?
Does the swelling become noticeably worse when you walk?
Is there distinct discolouration in the ankle?
Is the ankle unstable?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a more serious underlying issue affecting your ankle, and you should see a doctor to have it properly assessed.
However, for most people, a swollen ankle is nothing more than a symptom of minor irritation or a mild injury. In these cases, walking the proper way with the right support can actually be beneficial.
If you are managing a swollen ankle, here is how you can support it while still being able to walk and go about your daily life.
How to relieve swelling and support your ankle
Wrapping and bracing
Wearing a compression bandage or ankle support is an excellent way of providing stability while also reducing ankle swelling.
Medical grade compression will be the most effective way of reducing swelling and associated pain, such as the MalleoTrain Ankle Support.
MalleoTrain Ankle Support
Stretches
Stretching the ankle gently in the morning and evening is a good way to keep the joint moving and use the muscles to reduce swelling.
Ankle alphabet, toe curls, and calf raises all help.
RICE
The method of RICE is crucial for swelling management, especially at the end of the day.
Rest the ankle when you’re not active, ice it after activity, compress it all day, and elevate it at the end of the day to get blood flowing out of the joint.
Low-impact exercise
Active movement is a great way to recover from injury and manage swelling, but when there’s pain with each movement, it can be tricky.
Try low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, Yoga and tai chi.
