Swollen ankles and swollen feet are common and usually not cause for concern, particularly if you have been standing or walking a lot. But feet and ankles that stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms could signal a serious health problem.

Is it bad if your ankle is swollen?

Injury. If you trip or take a wrong step, a swollen foot can be a sign of a broken bone or a sprain — when the tough, flexible tissue that connects the bones around your ankle tears. Your foot and ankle will likely swell as blood rushes to the area to help heal it.

Can dehydration cause ankle swelling?

Stay Hydrated – dehydration causes the constriction of blood vessels leading to the forcing of fluids into the extracellular spaces between cells leading to retention particularly in the lower limbs.

How do I make my ankle swelling go down?

How is a swollen ankle or leg treated?

1. Rest. Stay off your ankle or leg until you can get to the doctor or until the swelling goes away.
2. Ice. Put ice on the swollen area as soon as you can for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Compression. Wrap your ankle or leg snugly, but be sure not to cut off circulation.
4. Elevation.

How long does a swollen ankle last?

The pain and swelling of an ankle sprain most often gets better within 48 hours. After that, you can begin to put weight back on your injured foot. Put only as much weight on your foot as is comfortable at first.

How can you tell if your ankle is swollen and your heart is related?

Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet Swelling (edema) in your lower legs is another sign of a heart problem. When your heart doesn’t work as well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in your legs. This causes fluid to build up in your tissues.

How long does it take for an ankle swelling to go down?

How dangerous are swollen ankles?

Swollen Ankles and Feet. When there is a problem with the vessels or lymph nodes, however, the fluid’s movement can be blocked. Untreated, lymph buildup can impair wound healing and lead to infection and deformity. Lymphedema is common following radiation therapy or removal of the lymph nodes in patients with cancer.

How to reduce ankle swelling?

Some tips that may help reduce swelling: Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down. Exercise your legs. This helps pump fluid from your legs back to your heart. Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling. Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).

How to get rid of swollen ankles?

Cucumber Bandage to Get Rid of Swollen Ankles. Cucumber helps in absorbing the fluid and it reduces the swelling.

What causes swelling of the inner ankle?

Ankle swelling causes the accumulation of fluid within the ankle joint or in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle. Common causes of ankle swelling include the following. A traumatic injury, such as an ankle sprain or a broken ankle, is the most common cause of ankle swelling.