The left leg is swollen at the ankle: causes

The ankle or ankle is perhaps the most mobile part of the leg. Her bones, ligaments and muscles are actively involved when walking and running. It is not surprising that in the event of any pathology, a person experiences discomfort with any movement, which significantly worsens his daily life. If your leg is swollen in the ankle area and it hurts, what should you do and why do such symptoms occur?

Why does the ankle of one leg swell?

The left leg is swollen at the ankle - causes and how to treat this symptom?
This problem occurs much more often in women than in men. The first signals of swelling should force you to determine what is the cause of this condition and what treatment measures to take. Why does swelling appear in the limbs? Fluid accumulating in the tissues leads to the formation of swelling and disruption of the functions of support and walking.

The swelling can spread to both or one leg; before treatment, it is necessary to identify the cause of this problem.

Painful and swollen ankle

If your ankle hurts when walking or your ankle is swollen, this may be a symptom of a latent injury. Swelling manifests itself in diseases such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, gout, and achilles. If a tumor appears on the bone, you should consult a doctor. Only a specialist will be able to identify the cause of pain and swelling of the ankle, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Symptoms

You can determine the swelling of the ankle yourself, just press the pad of your finger on the problem area; if the result is a small dent that does not go away for a while, then your left or right leg is swollen.

Associated symptoms of edema are:

Heaviness in the feet;
Painful sensations;
Light burning sensation.

The swelling can be local or cover a fairly large area along the entire height of the right or left leg.

Causes of unilateral edema

So, why might swelling occur in the right leg or the left? The most common reasons for swelling of one leg in the ankle area are:

Trauma to the lower limb (bruise, fracture). Strong mechanical stress can lead to muscle rupture, tissue and bone damage. As a result of the injury, depending on the severity, the ankle quickly begins to swell and hurt.
Diseases of the venous system of the lower extremities. Vein thrombosis and varicose veins lead to the formation of swelling and pain in the legs. This swelling is persistent and dense, and significantly increases as a result of prolonged vertical position of the limbs. After keeping the legs in a horizontal position, the swelling decreases. Ignoring swelling leads to thrombophlebitis.
If an infection develops in an open wound on the leg, the ankle will become swollen and painful.
Unilateral edema can be caused by pathological diseases of the osteoarticular system. Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout are characterized by swelling of the ankle in the area of the affected joint, bone, accompanied by a local increase in temperature, redness of the skin, and pain.
An insect bite leads to an allergic reaction, and as a result, the formation of swelling in the affected area. In this case, swelling of the ankle of the left or right leg is an allergy to a substance in the insect's saliva.
Disturbances in the functioning of the lymphatic system of the extremities. They are characterized by pain, weakness, a feeling of fullness, heaviness in the affected limb, and limited joint mobility. The skin in the affected area is pale, the skin fold is thickened.
Uncomfortable tight shoes cause discomfort, lead to the appearance of blisters, corns, and ankle swelling.

In women, swelling of the legs often occurs during pregnancy, however, in most cases the swelling affects both limbs.

First aid for swelling of the right or left leg in the ankle

Based on what caused the swelling of the ankle, first aid may be as follows:

Limit movement;
In order to relieve swelling of the leg in the ankle and accompanying pain, it is necessary to apply a cold compress with ice;
The swollen limb must rest, so you need to place your leg on a hill, pillow or bolster, in the most comfortable position.

An additional way to relieve swelling in the ankle area are products that will help remove excess fluid from the body:

Watermelon;
Vegetable juice (carrots, celery, beets);
Melon;
Berry fruit drinks.

If one leg is swollen at the ankle, it is recommended to limit foods containing salt, consume the required amount of liquid per day (1.5-2 liters of clean water), but drink most of it in the first half of the day.

Treatment: the most effective methods

Drugs

If the ankle bone hurts and is swollen, it is recommended to use anti-inflammatory and decongestant liniments - Diclofenac, Dolobene, Voltaren, Deep Relief. For gout, Butadione, Indomethacin, Ketazone, Prednisolone, and Colchicine are effective. If ankle discomfort is caused by pathogenic microorganisms, antibiotic therapy should be administered. All medications must be prescribed by a doctor; self-medication is dangerous.

Folk remedies

A compress made from fresh cabbage leaves, fern, white lilac flowers or crushed wormwood will help relieve pain and swelling. You can also apply a piece of lard to the affected area and tie a warm cloth on top. Healers recommend the following recipe as a pain reliever:

Take fine salt (extra) and honey in equal proportions.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until smooth.
Apply to the ankle, tying it with polyethylene and woolen cloth on top.

To remove salts from gout, it is effective to make the following mixture:

Take 500 g of cranberries and 200 g of garlic and pass through a meat grinder.
Add 1 liter of honey to the mixture.
Take 1 tsp. 3 r. per day before meals.

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Other recommendations

It is also recommended to treat a tumor at the bottom of the foot by following a diet. If you have gout, you should exclude foods with purines from your diet, especially beer. To strengthen the ankle bones, you need to consume dairy products, poultry, vegetables and fruits, and nuts. And also observe the drinking regime. To remove toxins and excess salts, you should drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day.

Treatment of swelling of the ankle of the right or left leg

Important! Therapy for unilateral edema of the lower extremities depends entirely on the cause that provoked this condition; edema is a symptom, and the disease that caused it must be treated; for an accurate diagnosis and correct treatment, consult a doctor.

If your left ankle or right leg is swollen, it is necessary to remove excess fluid from the body; for this, diuretics or diuretics are prescribed:

Furosemide;
Veroshpiron;
Lasix;
Ethacrynic acid.

The complex also uses ointments and creams that reduce swelling and relieve discomfort:

Heparin ointment strengthens blood vessels, capillaries, has analgesic properties and effectively relieves swelling on the left or right leg.
Troxevasin is a natural gel made from herbal extracts that strengthens muscle tissue and relieves swelling.
Lyoton improves blood circulation, effectively treats varicose veins and eliminates swelling of the ankle of the left or right leg. Lyoton has anesthetic and antibacterial properties.

Foot ointments based on horse chestnut have proven themselves to be effective in eliminating swelling. They not only relieve pain and relieve discomfort, but also strengthen the circulatory system and effectively relieve swelling of the ankle of the right or left leg.

If swelling in the leg is caused by allergies, it is necessary to promptly use antihistamines (Diazolin, Suprastin, Fenistil).

Exercises to relieve swelling

To quickly reduce swelling, special physical exercises that can be performed at home will help:

Flexion and extension of the foot for 15-20 minutes;
Walking on tiptoes;
Take a sitting position, alternately raise and lower your toes;
Clenching and unclenching fingers.

Massaging a swollen limb with essential oils also helps.

Traditional recipes for the treatment of unilateral edema of the lower extremities

There are many effective recipes that can quickly relieve leg swelling. Proper preparation and following the recommendations will allow you to forget about discomfort in the leg:

For the decoction, you need to take flax seeds (300 g) and water (1 l), cook for 20 minutes over low heat, leave to infuse for an hour. Drink the infusion on an empty stomach, ½ glass up to 8 times a day.
A compress of raw potatoes will help relieve swelling and reduce discomfort. To do this, grate 2 potatoes on a fine grater, apply the resulting paste to the swollen area, wrap it with film and a warm scarf, and leave the compress for several hours.
Cosmetic clay 100 g is mixed with 100 ml of water until the consistency of thick sour cream. Apply the resulting mass to the tumor and hold for at least 2 hours.
Grate the parsley root on a fine grater, pour boiling water in a 2:1 ratio and leave to steep for at least 10 hours. Take a glass of infusion at night until the condition improves.
Finely grate 1 onion, add sugar (100 g), stir, leave for 12 hours. Make compresses from the released sweet onion juice until the discomfort decreases.

If traditional medicine recipes do not eliminate the swelling of the right ankle or left leg, consultation with a specialist is necessary.

How to relieve pain?

Any therapeutic measures are always aimed at relieving pain and eliminating symptoms.

Before providing first aid, you can take the following actions:

The injured limb is placed on a pillow so that it is in an elevated, motionless state. An elastic bandage is applied around the ankle, and if the injury is more severe, a splint will be required. It is recommended to apply cold on the outside and inside. If ice is used for this, it must be wrapped in cloth to prevent frostbite.
In the post-traumatic period, external medications are prescribed - creams, ointments, gels (Dolobene, Heparin ointment, Lyoton, etc.). If your leg hurts for a long time, then the drugs Troxerutin, Indovazin, Girudoven will be effective in use.
If pain occurs against the background of arthrosis or arthritis, then the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ortofen, Ketoprofen, Ibuprofen or Diclofenac) is indicated. These medications can eliminate pain, stop inflammation, and relieve swelling. In more severe cases, corticosteroids and diuretics may be prescribed, and during the recovery period it will be necessary to take chondroprotectors. The type of drug is selected only by a specialist, since each drug has contraindications and side effects.
You can also alleviate the condition with the help of folk recipes. The use of compresses, foot baths, and rubbing helps relieve pain and swelling of soft tissues. The most effective ingredients are honey, mumiyo, raw potatoes, and sea salt.

For severe injuries, especially fractures, emergency care is required. Self-transportation can lead to dangerous complications.

Prevention

In most cases, preventive measures can prevent the appearance of swelling; you must try to avoid injuries, stress and hypothermia of the legs, and also follow the following recommendations:

Regularly engage in sports;
Avoid prolonged immobility and blood stagnation;
Eliminate bad habits;
Adjust your diet;
Get rid of excess weight;
Wear comfortable shoes and shapewear;
Avoid excessive salt consumption;
Take vitamins “B”, “C”, “E”.

A set of these measures helps normalize blood flow and strengthens blood vessels.

Under no circumstances should swelling be ignored; this can lead to serious consequences. Be sure to consult a doctor to find out exactly why your left or right leg is swelling at the ankle and how to treat this symptom.

Preventive actions

To prevent pain in your ankles, you should listen to the following recommendations:

wear shoes that fit properly and are made from natural materials;
the heel of women's shoes should not exceed 7 cm;
after a long walk, you need to massage your limbs, place them on an elevated surface (15–20 minutes), and take cold baths;
when playing sports you need to use gloves, knee pads, elastic bandages, special shoes, etc.;
control your diet, including the intake of calcium in the body, this will allow you to receive only useful substances and control your weight.

All these recommendations will help avoid pain in the ankle joint and prevent the development of vascular diseases in the legs.

Why is my left leg swollen?

Conventionally, all causes of swelling of the left leg can be divided into two groups: those caused by pathologies of internal organs and those not associated with dysfunction of the systems.

Diseases that provoke edema

Pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Sharply developing swelling of one foot is a sign of dysfunction of the heart or liver. The rhythm of the heart muscle is disrupted, heart failure develops, the speed of blood movement through the vessels decreases, and as a result, swelling of the left side from the knee to the foot occurs.
Varicose veins Weakening the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and blockage of the veins provokes stagnation of blood and the development of edema.
Pregnancy may be the answer to the question of why the left leg at the ankle swells in women. In the later stages of pregnancy, edema can signal the development of a dangerous condition for the child and mother - gestosis.
Hoffa's disease is an inflammatory process of the fatty tissue surrounding the knee joint. In addition to swelling below the knee, there is sharp pain when walking and a feeling of weakness when supporting the limb. Hoffa's disease most often develops in athletes due to excessive stress on the legs and injuries.

Causes of swelling of the left leg not related to diseases

Edema is not a disease, but a symptom of impaired blood flow in the tissues of the lower extremities. In addition to diseases, such disorders can be caused by the following reasons:

prolonged physical activity on the limbs is a common reason why the left leg below the knee swells;
incorrectly selected shoes;
excessive consumption of salty, sour and spicy foods;
uncontrolled use of medications;
excess body weight.

Important: regardless of the severity of swelling of the left leg and the reasons why one leg swells and the other does not, treatment can only be determined by a doctor.

Treatment tactics

Based on the symptoms, the traumatologist or rheumatologist makes a preliminary diagnosis of why the ankles hurt, which, if necessary, is confirmed by additional diagnostic methods, including radiography, MRI and CT.

Only after all the necessary measures are taken, an individual treatment regimen is selected:

when diagnosing various joint injuries (sprains, fractures, ligament tears, etc.), it is recommended to immobilize the limb using a splint or plaster cast;
when bone fragments are displaced, surgical intervention is required, followed by the prescription of medications, the action of which is aimed at accelerating tissue regeneration and reducing swelling (mumiyo, vitamins D, calcium supplements, etc.);
when the feet hurt against the background of general fatigue of the body and increased stress on the lower extremities, relaxing contrast and salt baths are recommended. In addition, treatment of pain and swelling involves taking diuretics (Lasix, Furosemide, Veroshpiron, etc.);
arthrosis and arthritis that provoke ankle pain require the use of NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Diclofenac), and during the rehabilitation period, chondroprotectors are prescribed (Teraflex, Chondoitin), which restore cartilage tissue;
Ankle pain can be treated with external remedies that contain heparin or horse chestnut extract, etc. These drugs improve blood circulation in tissues, relieve pain symptoms and reduce swelling. The most effective are Heparin ointment, Dolobene, Lyoton, Indovazin, Troxerutin and Girudoven;
if the feet hurt on the inside or outside as a result of an injury, it is necessary to provide the victim with timely first aid (give an anesthetic, apply a tight bandage, cold compress, stop the bleeding, etc.). After all measures, you should take the patient to the emergency room or call an ambulance (more details about therapeutic measures used to relieve pain symptoms can be found in this article).

In addition, it is important to maintain proper nutrition, excluding unhealthy foods from the menu that contribute to weight gain, as this increases the load on the lower limbs. In addition, you should not give up dosed physical activity, which improves metabolism.

Symptoms

Characteristic symptoms of swelling of the left foot are:

swelling of the skin, upon palpation a dent remains;
gloss, redness of the skin at the site of swelling.

Also, depending on the cause that provoked swelling of the leg from the knee to the foot, the clinical picture of the pathology can be supplemented by the following signs:

Shortness of breath and fatigue are symptoms that occur with heart disease. Blood stagnation occurs and, as a result, swelling of the joints of the left leg below the knee.
Pain in the kidney area and high temperature are characteristic of most renal pathologies.
Swelling and pain in the left leg, which occurs mainly in the evening, are most often provoked by problems with the veins and vessels of the lower limb.
Swelling of only the left foot and a feeling of stiffness in the knee joint are characteristic of the disease rheumatism.
Lower back pain and swelling may indicate liver disease.

First aid for swelling of the left leg in the ankle

The left leg is swollen at the bottom, and the ankle is red - this situation requires medical attention (and as soon as possible). Only a doctor can accurately determine the cause of pain and swelling and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Some first aid techniques will help to alleviate the patient’s condition before being examined by a doctor:

try to move around less;
rest in a reclining position, with your leg slightly raised;
reduce fluid intake to a minimum (no more than half a liter of clean water per day);
Avoid drinking carbonated drinks, alcohol, salty, smoked and spicy foods;
Massaging a swollen left leg will help quickly relieve pain in the foot and temporarily alleviate the general condition.

Calling an ambulance for swelling of the left leg is necessary if:

swelling occurred suddenly and for no apparent reason;
simultaneously with swelling of the left limb, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and difficulty breathing develop.

Who to contact and how to treat?

In order to determine the cause of the pain, you may need to consult several specialists - a surgeon, rheumatologist, or orthopedist. Referrals to these doctors are made by a general practitioner. Effective treatment will require a thorough diagnosis, which includes examination, palpation and x-rays.

Ankle treatment may include the following:

If discomfort is caused by overwork, then it is recommended to use contrast baths; at the end of the procedure there should be a cold douse. Another method is to place a bolster under your feet so that they are higher than your head. To restore blood circulation in the ankle, you should use creams based on horse chestnut extract.
In case of any kind of damage, it is important to go to the hospital immediately. The degree of injury can only be determined by an x-ray, based on the results of which first aid will be prescribed - a bandage, splint or plaster. Immediately after an injury, cold can be used to reduce pain and prevent swelling.
Diseases of the joints, muscles and tendons sometimes require drug therapy. The type of drug, dose and duration of use are calculated by the doctor in each case individually.

If, while walking, the ankle makes itself felt with severe pain, then this is a reason to seek medical help.

Treatment of swelling of the left leg from the knee to the foot

Only a doctor can determine the cause and treatment methods for swelling of the left foot.

Traditionally, the algorithm of actions, how and how to treat swelling in the ankle of the left leg includes:

massage;
gymnastics;
alternative medicine methods;
complete rest.

Patients are also advised to take the following medications:

phlebotonics (phlebofa, phlebaven, vasoket, etc.)—drugs whose action is aimed at strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
anticoagulants (varvarin, etc.) - blood thinners;
diuretics;
External use agents that relieve pain, swelling and redness.

If swelling of the ankle or ankle of one leg is caused by varicose veins, the scheme of how to treat this pathology is supplemented with one more point - the use of compression garments.

Exercises to relieve swelling

Regardless of the reason that triggered the development of edema, doctors recommend combining traditional treatment methods with therapeutic exercises.

Easy-to-do exercises can be done at home on the floor or bed:

Walking around the room on your toes (exercise duration five minutes).
Rotate your feet clockwise and counterclockwise (at least ten times in each direction).
Fixed position on toes (at least ten seconds).
Use your toes to lift the pencil from the floor (several attempts).
Finger movements (open and close).
Exercise "scissors" - straight leg swings.
Exercise “bicycle” - lying on your back, we make rotational movements, simulating riding a bicycle.

Traditional recipes for the treatment of unilateral edema of the lower extremities

Traditional recipes in combination with taking medications will help you quickly achieve positive results in the fight against swelling of the left foot.

The most effective folk methods of treatment:

Baths. Sea salt and a decoction of medicinal herbs are diluted in cool water. The feet are lowered into the bath for no more than fifteen minutes.
A massage with ice will relieve swelling of the left limb from the knee to the foot. You can enhance the therapeutic effect if you first add a decoction of eucalyptus, chamomile or sage to the ice-making molds.
Diuretic decoction. To prepare it, mix two tablespoons of dry collection and 100 ml of boiling water and leave for fifteen minutes in a water bath. Next, cool the broth and take a tablespoon three times a day.

Actions for swelling

Salt baths to reduce swelling of the feet
If the ankle bone is swollen, it is likely due to a blow or strong pressure, a cold compress will help.

If there was no injury, you can relax at the end of the day, lie down, raise your legs on a bolster, but not higher than the level of your heart.

In the evening, you can do a therapeutic massage of the calf muscles, and in the morning, rub your feet and toes to the left, clockwise. These are the first measures to help with edema of various origins.

Simple rules will help prevent the appearance of edema:

reduce salt intake;
make salt baths;
wear shoes with low or medium heels;
do physical education;
control weight;
review your diet, eliminating fried, smoked and canned foods, alcohol, sweet soda and packaged juices. These foods contain thirst-inducing ingredients.

This will help eliminate swelling of the legs without the use of medications. Excellent prevention of swelling is to treat hypertension, ischemia, and arrhythmia in a timely manner. For this, traditional medicines and alternative medicine methods are used.

To remove excess fluid from the body, you need to take diuretics in courses. Together with them, doctors recommend taking calcium supplements, since diuretic drugs provoke the leaching of calcium from the body.

A tumor of an allergic nature is treated by taking antihistamines, and the medicine must be selected in accordance with the cause of the allergy.

Alternative medicine suggests getting rid of swelling on the ankle with alcohol compresses, but be careful with them - they can cause complications with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis. In such a situation, it is recommended to use Heparin ointment, which effectively eliminates swelling of various origins.

Prevention

The following rules of prevention will help prevent the occurrence of swelling of the left leg in the lower part:

avoid stress, overwork and injury;
practice moderate physical activity;
choose shoes that fit properly;
control body weight, prevent obesity;
stop smoking and alcohol;
avoid prolonged, static body positions;
practice short breaks during the working day;
In order to strengthen blood vessels, consume vitamins E, C, B.

Regardless of the reason that provoked the swelling of the left foot, you should not despair. A timely visit to a doctor and strict implementation of all his recommendations, and this dangerous symptom of many diseases will pass without a trace.

I write articles in various areas that, to one degree or another, affect such a disease as edema.

What is edema?

Edema is the accumulation of fluid in tissues. Many believe that the main mechanism for the occurrence of edema is the “accumulation of salts” in tissues that attract water. However, in reality, the formation of edema in detail looks somewhat more complicated.

Edema can occur due to the following disorders:

disturbances in the permeability of cell membranes. In this case, the cells seem to begin to “release” more fluid outward than normal.
protein metabolism disorders. Not only salts, but also protein molecules have the ability to attract water. That is why a violation of their metabolism (for example, with an unbalanced diet) can lead to edema.
pressure gradient changes. The hydrostatic processes occurring in the body are quite complex. Therefore, the fact that our ankles are swollen may mean that the correct difference in fluid pressure in the vessels and in the surrounding tissues has been disrupted.
blockage of small vessels, most often capillaries. This leads to the fact that the normal circulation of blood or lymph is disrupted, and we complain of swelling of the ankles.

All these mechanisms can be triggered in various diseases and conditions. Below we list the main ones.

Diagnostics

Traumatic injuries are diagnosed by an orthopedist or traumatologist. To clarify pain and swelling on the bone in other cases, it is recommended to consult a therapist, rheumatologist, arthrologist or endocrinologist. To make a diagnosis, you should undergo procedures such as:

general and biochemical blood tests;
urine test;
radiography;
scintigraphy;
arthroscopy;
Ultrasound;
magnetic resonance or computed tomography.

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Why does one leg swell?

You can often hear the complaint that only one leg is swollen at the ankle. There may be several reasons for this.

Injury . Sometimes a person can get injured in the ankle joint and not even pay attention to it (what we commonly call “twisted his ankle”). And only when the ankle in the area of the injured one begins to swell, do we remember that there really was an injury.

Joint damage, including arthrosis. If you have a serious ankle condition, such as osteoarthritis, circulation may be impaired, leading to swelling of the foot and ankle.

Insect bite or allergic reaction. Swelling of one ankle, especially in the warm season, can often be associated with an allergic reaction.

Infection . If you injure your leg and do not treat the wound, it may become infected and subsequently develop unilateral edema.

Thrombosis. This is a very dangerous condition, and if you notice any signs of it, we recommend that you consult a doctor immediately. Unilateral swelling may indicate blockage of the vessel by a thrombus. Self-treatment in this case is impossible; only specialists can cope with this condition. Also, with thrombosis, redness may be observed on the skin, which spreads along the course of the vessel.

Varicose veins In addition to the listed conditions, complaints about swelling of the right or left leg at the ankle may be associated with the development of varicose veins. Swelling is one of the first signs of this disease. In the early stages, this is not constant swelling that goes away after a night's sleep, rest or some exercise. At a later stage, they begin to spread from the ankle higher and become permanent.

Lymphedema. Another dangerous disease for the body, in which only one ankle may swell, is lymphedema, a violation of the outflow of lymph. When the disease first begins, lymphedema is mild. As lymphedema progresses, the swelling becomes firm and you can no longer apply pressure to the area of swelling with your finger. If you notice that the nature of the swelling is changing, be sure to consult a doctor - lymphatic swelling can only be removed with the participation of a specialist and with constant treatment.

Causes of ankle pain

Injuries

Pain syndrome is often provoked by trauma (domestic, sports). Traumatic injury occurs from a fall, twisting of the foot, or direct impact. At the moment of injury, the pain is sharp and severe; subsequently, the pain becomes dull. Bruises and abrasions are common. Soreness is accompanied by swelling. The following types of damage are distinguished:

Bruised ankle joint.
The most common ankle injury. Occurs due to direct impact - a fall, a kick or a blunt object. Immediately after the injury, the pain is acute and of high intensity, then weakens and becomes dull. Pain sensations are localized at the site of the injury. Restriction of movement is slight or moderate. The bruise can be complicated by hemorrhage into the joint (hemarthrosis), and the pain becomes bursting.
Sprain and rupture of ligaments.
Typically, damage to the anterior talofibular ligament is detected as a result of a sharp twisting of the foot. Injury occurs more often during periods of ice. When damaged, intense sharp pain is felt along the anterior outer surface of the ankle. Subsequently, the pain decreases somewhat, local swelling quickly develops, and the damaged area becomes bluish or bluish-purple. Movements are sharply limited, the foot is deviated inward. Walking is possible only with support on the heel.
Damage to the Achilles tendon.
Achilles rupture is a professional injury for gymnasts and ballet dancers; it occurs during a jump or when falling from a height. The pain is localized in the back of the ankle, slightly above the heel. At the time of injury, the pain is sharp and very strong. The pain gradually subsides, but persists for a long time. Edema develops quickly. When a rupture occurs, the patient feels a click or crunch of the fibers breaking. There is a marked decrease in the strength of the calf muscle. Plantar flexion is weakened.
Fractures and fracture dislocations.
Usually there is an isolated fracture of the ankles or a fracture in combination with a subluxation of the foot caused by twisting of the leg. The pain in the ankle area is acute, excruciating, becomes unbearable with any touch or movement, can radiate to the lower leg, and only slightly weakens over time. On palpation, a crunch and pathological mobility are noted. Bruising is common, spreading to the entire foot and ankle. Support on the leg is impossible. In osteoporosis (in elderly patients, with a number of diseases), the clinical manifestations are smoothed out and resemble a bruise.

Degenerative-dystrophic diseases

Degenerative pathologies of the joint are caused by impaired metabolic processes and microcirculation, which leads to the gradual destruction of cartilage tissue, subchondral areas of bones, and surrounding soft tissue structures. Often accompanied by the formation of bone growths (osteophytes). The course is chronic, slowly progressive. The outcome may be disability due to significant deformation of the foot and limitation of movement. The following types of degenerative processes are distinguished:

Arthrosis of the ankle joint.
Osteoarthritis is often detected in older people. In young patients it can develop against the background of previous joint injuries. Initially, aching pain is noted along the front and lateral surfaces of the joint, appearing in the evening or against the background of prolonged exercise, and disappearing after rest. As the pathology progresses, the pain increases, becomes shooting, and occurs at night, at the beginning of movement (“starting pain”). Sometimes you can hear a crunching sound while walking. In the final stage, persistent joint deformation and severe limitation of support and walking are possible.
Osteochondropathies.
Damage to the navicular bone of the foot (Köhler's disease I) is usually found in boys 3-7 years old, observed when foci of aseptic necrosis form due to impaired blood circulation in the subchondral areas of the bone. Clinical signs include swelling of the dorsum of the foot, pressing or burning pain in the forefoot and medial part of the foot, aggravated by walking. Lameness with support on the outer edge of the foot is determined.

Inflammatory pathologies

Inflammatory processes in the ankle joint and its ligamentous apparatus are often based on aseptic inflammation due to abnormal load on the ankle (obesity, wearing high-heeled shoes, flat feet, professional sports). In other cases, the etiological factor is the penetration of an infectious agent through damaged skin or blood. The following inflammatory diseases accompanied by pain in the ankle are distinguished:

Achilles tendonitis.
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is often found in people involved in athletics, and sometimes develops due to long-term use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. At first, the pain in the area of the calcaneal tendon at the back of the ankle is insignificant, has a pulling nature, and only bothers you in the first minutes of exercise. Subsequently, the intensity of the pain gradually increases, it becomes burning and constant. Even a long rest does not bring relief. There is slight local swelling and difficulty moving. A buildup of fibrous tissue may form around the tendon.
Synovitis.
Inflammation of the synovial membrane occurs in many acute and chronic pathologies of the joint. In an acute process, the pain is diffuse, bursting, intense, the joint is significantly increased in volume, movements are limited. With chronic synovitis, the pain is weak, aching, occurs gradually, and intensifies as fluid accumulates in the joint. The volume of the joint depends on the amount of effusion.
Bursitis.
Achilles bursitis and ankle bursitis are formed under increased loads, injuries, and rheumatic pathologies. Characterized by increasing burning and bursting pain in the back and lateral parts of the ankle, progressive swelling. Sometimes a soft tumor-like formation is palpated. Movements are usually preserved. When infected, the pain intensifies and becomes diffuse. The skin over the bursa turns red, and signs of general intoxication appear - weakness, fever, chills.
Viral arthritis.
Arthropathy due to viral infections (measles, chickenpox, hepatitis B, C) usually appears in the prodromal period, preceded by other symptoms - skin rash, jaundice, etc. The joints of the hands, knees, and ankles are symmetrically involved. The pain is moderate, aching, localized on the front surface of the ankle, and does not limit movements. Minor swelling may occur. Arthritis regresses on its own without any treatment and does not leave deformities or contractures.
Tuberculous arthritis.
Usually diagnosed in elderly people and children suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. At first, arthralgia is weakly expressed, does not have a clear localization, bothers the patient only during sudden movements and passes quickly. As tuberculosis progresses, pain increases. The joint gradually swells, the skin becomes hot but does not turn red, and movements are limited. As a result, deformation and contractures are often observed. Arthritis is accompanied by the general clinical picture of tuberculosis – low-grade fever, weight loss, sweating.
Gonococcal arthritis.
Occurs in 5% of patients with gonorrhea, mainly in young women. Characterized by asymmetrical damage to the ankles and knees. Migrating aching arthralgias and transient swelling due to inflammation of the tendons and bursae are typical. Ankylosis can develop quite quickly. With massive colonization by gonococci, the pain becomes diffuse, bursting, and the skin over the joint turns red. Arthropathy is accompanied by skin pustulosis and fever.
Brucellosis arthritis.
Joint inflammation is the most common manifestation of brucellosis (about 90%). There are symmetrical diffuse aching, nagging pain sensations localized in large joints and the spine. The course of arthritis is wavy. Due to damage to the periarticular tissues (ligaments, tendons), the ankle area swells greatly, and movements in the joint are limited. Sometimes ankylosis develops.
Purulent arthritis.
Purulent inflammation of the ankle joint is usually a consequence of an open fracture or osteomyelitis of the distal tibia. Strong, diffuse, throbbing, bursting pain appears. The joint swells, the skin takes on a red tint and becomes hot to the touch. Any movements cause a sharp pain reaction. When a large amount of purulent effusion accumulates, the phenomenon of fluctuation occurs. Symptoms of general intoxication are expressed - fever, chills, weakness.

Rheumatological diseases

Pain in the ankle often indicates the presence of rheumatological pathology. The pathogenesis of such diseases is due to the formation of autoantibodies that attack the body’s own cells, including the cells of the synovial membrane. The distinctive features of diseases of this group are the uncertainty of the etiological factor (the exception is rheumatism), a chronic course with exacerbations and remissions, diffuse pain over the entire surface of the joint, the presence of extra-articular lesions, and a variety of clinical manifestations. The most common rheumatic pathologies:

Rheumatoid arthritis.
More common in young women (30-40 years old). It is characterized by a systemic process with symmetrical involvement of several joints (especially the hands), but can also begin from the ankle. Arthralgia is long-lasting, aching, more intense at rest, disappearing approximately an hour after the start of physical activity. Morning stiffness is typical. As the process progresses, the pain intensifies, and persistent joint deformation develops, disabling the patient.
Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease).
Diagnosed in young men. The spine, sacroiliac joints, large joints, and entheses in the lower extremities are predominantly affected. Pain in the ankle is mild, but constant. The pain is aching, dull, intensifying in the second half of the night and in the morning. Swelling and limitation of movements are practically absent. Uveitis (redness of the eyes, lacrimation, photophobia) is also noted.
Psoriatic arthritis.
Associated with a severe skin disease - psoriasis. Typically the development of progressive asymmetric oligoarthritis leading to disability. There is constant aching pain of moderate intensity and slight swelling in the ankle. The skin color is burgundy-bluish. Specific signs are arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joints, nail damage (pinpoint depressions, dystrophy of the nail plates, onycholysis). Localization of psoriatic plaques is the scalp, elbows, knees, intergluteal folds.
Rheumatic fever.
Arthritis is considered the main symptom of rheumatism. Short-term arthralgias are characteristic, occurring approximately a week after acute streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract. The joints become enlarged due to swelling, and movement is limited. The pain is aching, nagging, of moderate activity, migrates (passes from one joint to another). The inflammation is benign and resolves quickly without any residual effects. Almost always accompanies rheumatic carditis.
Reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome).
The main reason is recent urogenital (chlamydia, mycoplasmosis) or intestinal infections (shigellosis, dysentery). Often seen in young people. There is asymmetrical damage to the lower extremities (joints, tendons, entheses). The severity of arthritis has a wide range - from minor wave-like to constant unbearable pain with severe swelling. The process is prone to chronicity with an unfavorable outcome. Sacroiliitis is typical. Arthritis is accompanied by urethritis and conjunctivitis.
Collagenoses.
The group of diffuse connective tissue diseases includes systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic scleroderma, and dermatomyositis. They are united by a variety of clinical presentations, involvement of the skin, internal organs, and joints (including ankles). Arthritis often comes to the fore and is the initial sign of the disease. Arthralgia is usually symmetrical, with moderate aching pain, passes quickly, does not limit movement, is not accompanied by swelling, and does not lead to deformities.
Inflammatory bowel diseases.
Sometimes ankle pain indicates inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Whipple's disease). Typical is spondyloarthritis, asymmetric arthritis of the knees and ankles with minor aching migrating pain. There is no restriction of movement. The degree of arthralgia correlates with the activity of intestinal inflammation. Deformation does not develop. Along with arthropathy, the clinical picture includes enteritis, iridocyclitis, and erythema nodosum.

Systemic metabolic disorders

In some diseases, increased production or decreased utilization of certain substances leads to the accumulation of various proteins or metal ions in internal organs and joints. This group of pathologies is distinguished by hereditary nature or the presence of a predisposition, a wide range of clinical signs, a progressive course, and resistance to therapy (with the exception of gout). Pain in the ankle may be accompanied by the following metabolic diseases:

Gout.
It is caused by increased formation and decreased excretion of uric acid, which leads to its accumulation in the tissues of the joints. It proceeds in fits and starts. A gout attack is triggered by eating fatty foods and alcohol. The pain is sharp, burning, bursting, sometimes unbearable. The joint is swollen, the skin over it is hot. Tophi on the skin are possible. The attack is accompanied by fever and chills. There are no symptoms during the interictal period.
Amyloidosis.
Characterized by the deposition of a special fibrillar amyloid protein. Inflammation of the joints is usually destructive and proceeds similar to rheumatoid arthritis - with morning stiffness, arthralgia of several joints, aggravated by rest and relieved by movement. A distinctive feature of pain in amyloidosis is its higher intensity at night. The outcome is almost always deformation. Neuropathies, renal, and heart failure also occur.
Hemochromatosis (bronze diabetes).
In hemochromatosis, chondrocalcinosis develops due to the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate. Arthropathy can occur gradually with “mechanical” arthralgia, as in osteoarthritis, or in the form of acute arthritis, reminiscent of gout. The skin becomes dark brown or bronze in color. Due to hormonal disorders, baldness, diabetes, and hypogonadism occur. 30% of patients are diagnosed with liver cancer.

Tumors and tumor-like diseases

A fairly rare cause of ankle pain is tumors or tumor-like formations. The pain is usually diffuse and has no connection with motor activity. Pain syndrome can be caused by benign synovial villous hyperplasia, cartilaginous metaplasia, aggressive tumor growth, and, less commonly, metastatic damage to joint tissue. The following pathologies are identified that are accompanied by pain in the ankle area:

Benign neoplasia.
Synovial chondromatosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis. Typically one joint is involved. Development is gradual. The pain is dull, not intense, and progresses slowly. Sometimes a hard formation can be felt in the joint area. Young men are more often affected.
Malignant neoplasms.
This group includes synovial sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and metastases from other organs. The pain is increasing, diffuse, severe, debilitating, can spread to the lower leg, is accompanied by severe restrictions on movement, and correlates with tumor growth. Arthralgia can also occur as a manifestation of paraneoplastic syndrome, in which the body responds to the growth of a malignant tumor by producing antibodies that attack joint tissue. In such cases, damage to one or more joints is possible, such as reactive or rheumatoid arthritis.

What does bilateral edema indicate?

Bilateral edema can indicate both serious disruptions in the functioning of a number of organs and systems, and improper distribution of load during the day. Let's consider the second option first.

Incorrect distribution of the load is a long stay in one position, for example, static work on the legs throughout the day. But it can also be too much physical activity that is unusual for you, sitting still for a long time (for example, after an air flight) and even uncomfortable shoes. All these reasons can lead to the formation of edema in both legs. As a rule, this swelling goes away after some time.

But there are edema caused by disruption of various organs, in particular the heart and kidneys. Cardiac edema occurs due to the fact that the heart cannot cope with pumping blood, and its stagnation occurs. These swellings are soft to the touch, the skin in the area of the swelling is pale, may acquire a bluish tint, and is cool. If you press on the swollen area, a dent remains in the area of pressure. Cardiac edema is not constant; during night sleep it decreases or subsides. Swelling of both ankles can be associated with impaired kidney function, but more often renal edema appears on the face. But if, simultaneously with swelling, you notice problems with urination, then contact a nephrologist. It is possible that you are dealing with a malfunction of the excretory system.

It is important to pay attention to one more significant point. Swelling of the ankles in men is most often associated with increased stress on the legs. Swelling of the ankles in women can be caused by hormonal changes, for example, during pregnancy or before the onset of menstruation. Also, a similar reaction can be caused by taking hormonal drugs.

Possible diseases

There are a number of diseases that cause pain. In some cases, pain is accompanied by additional symptoms that will help clarify the situation.

Among the diseases that provoke discomfort in the legs are the following:

Arthrosis. The deformation affects cartilage tissue. Symptoms: swelling in the ankle area, the joint has limited mobility. Pain occurs with exertion and at rest. This disease is caused by disruptions in the immune system, weight problems, viral infection, and sometimes even regular wearing of poor-quality and uncomfortable shoes. In addition to the aching pain, there is a crunching sound with any movement and limited movement of the foot.
Arthritis. This disease has several subtypes - post-traumatic, rheumatoid, psoriatic, etc. In each case, inflammation occurs, leading to gradual destruction of the joints. The process can be caused by microorganisms, metabolic disorders, and degenerative diseases.
Gout. Symptoms: stiffness in the movement of the ankle, crunching, swelling, redness of the skin. It occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid in the joints, which provokes the formation of crystalline accumulations. The problem is caused by malfunction of the kidneys. Most often, gout occurs in older people.
Achilles tendinitis. The disease occurs as a result of prolonged stress on the feet. The pain is concentrated along the hamstring, and swelling occurs on the heel. Tendonitis can be caused by sports or high-heeled shoes. If the problem is not dealt with, it leads to tendon rupture.
Bursitis. Inflammation affects the joint capsule, which contains synovial fluid. This disease is characterized by sharp pain on the outside of the leg that occurs after prolonged exercise - walking, running and even standing. The joint loses mobility, and the skin on the injured area swells.

Each of these diseases can have dangerous consequences, so even a minor bruise requires examination by a specialist in order to take timely action.

What to do if your ankles are swollen?

Of course, if you notice that your legs are regularly swelling, you should consult a doctor.

Swelling in your feet and ankles may indicate overuse of your legs during the day, or it may be a sign of a serious medical condition such as varicose veins or lymphedema. What is the true cause of edema can only be determined by a specialist. And by following all his recommendations, you will be able to maintain the beauty and health of your feet for as long as possible.

And some traditional medicine recipes can help quickly relieve an unpleasant condition:

take a contrast shower or bath. Sometimes such activation of blood circulation is enough to relieve swelling, especially if it is caused by tired legs.
A compress with blue clay helps improve the condition of your feet. Dilute blue clay (it is sold at the pharmacy) with water to the consistency of sour cream and apply to the area of swelling. Let dry and leave for about an hour. You can wrap your leg in film so that the clay does not crumble when it dries.
baths with sea salt, mint, birch and juniper leaves relieve tired legs and help reduce swelling.

If swelling is constantly observed, introduce into your diet foods that have a diuretic effect: watermelon, cucumbers, parsley, it is also recommended to drink pumpkin juice.

Why does my left leg swell at the ankle?

Swelling of the legs is a fairly common problem, which is mainly encountered by overweight people and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. As for age, previously young people did not know what it was like when, for example, their left leg swelled. The reasons for this phenomenon could manifest themselves only in older people. Now, given the lifestyle of modern youth, you can often see young people in clinics asking why their legs swell in the ankles and legs. We also recommend reading the article about calendula infusion and how to use it.

Before considering how to deal with this unpleasant phenomenon, you should note that most often problems occur with both legs at the same time, less often with one, when, for example, the right leg swells. The reasons, accordingly, can be completely different, which requires an individual approach to treatment. So, why do the legs swell in the ankles and legs?

High fluid intake.
Varicose veins
Taking medications.
Heart failure.
Pregnancy.
Blockage of deep veins.
Problems with the lymphatic system.
Large liver.
Allergy.
Infectious diseases.

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As you can see, the list presented above is quite impressive, and many of the reasons mentioned in it are of a very serious nature, requiring immediate consultation with a doctor. However, if you notice that, for example, your left leg is swelling, you should not immediately look for the worst reasons.

In such cases, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points, which most often answer the question of why the legs swell in the ankles and legs.

The walls of the veins weaken.
Large amount of liquid.

In the first case, the causes of the unpleasant phenomenon may be both genetics and lifestyle. Naturally, it is the latter that is often “to blame” for why the legs swell in the ankles and shins. What's going on? The thing is that veins are a kind of highways, the tone of which determines the normal circulation of blood in the body. If their walls weaken, then the speed of circulation is disrupted, and the blood begins to stagnate. In connection with this process, painful sensations are observed, which manifest themselves in a burning and tingling sensation.

In the second case, the banal answer to the question of why the legs swell in the ankles and legs will be high fluid intake. In this case, edema can occur in completely healthy people, although this phenomenon most often occurs in those who:

has weight problems (the heart takes time to push blood through the layered fatty tissue);
sits or stands a lot (poor blood circulation is observed);
generally leads a sedentary lifestyle.

The situation is aggravated by the consumption of ordinary table salt, especially in hot weather, since salt, in addition to its other extremely negative effects, helps retain fluid in the body, which “settles” in the ankles and legs, causing swelling of the legs. For a long time, the myth that it is necessary to consume salt in hot weather was responsible for the appearance of this unpleasant effect.

Why does only one leg swell?

If, for example, the right leg swells, the reason mainly lies in blockage of the deep veins, less often in inflammation of the lymph nodes. All other health problems lead to general swelling of both legs. Therefore, if you notice this phenomenon in yourself, you should immediately consult a doctor to conduct a duplex angioscan. Problems associated with this cause can manifest themselves not only in swelling, but also affect the general state of health, so you should not delay visiting the clinic.

Modern pharmacies in their windows offer a large number of different products that help with swelling of the legs for study and purchase. But, it is important to remember that almost all of them help only in cases where the reason lies in:

excessive fluid intake;
in overwork;
in the presence of the initial stage of varicose veins;
in heart failure.

Thus, the treatment of diseases that have become the root cause of the fact that a person is forced to wonder why the legs swell in the ankles and legs can only be carried out by a doctor who has conducted a series of tests and identified the essence of the disease. Here we should once again emphasize the importance of timely contacting the clinic, as this helps to identify existing problems with the heart, liver, kidneys or other important internal organs. Accordingly, by seeking help in time, you can eradicate the cause of the disease at the initial stage, and therefore prevent the occurrence of serious complications that will inevitably manifest themselves in the future.