Ankle inflammation can be caused by minor injuries, arthritis, gout, or vascular problems. It’s important to identify the cause and seek medical attention if necessary. Exercise, supportive shoes, and gradual increases in physical activity can help prevent inflammation.
Ankle inflammation can have a number of causes and is characterized by swelling and pain in one or both ankles. A minor injury is one of the most common causes of ankle inflammation, such as ankle strain from overexertion during exercise or from trips and falls. More serious injuries can also cause swelling and inflammation, such as a tear or sprain, but these are usually easier to pinpoint as the cause. Arthritis can also contribute to inflammation, as well as other medical conditions such as gout or restricted blood flow to the area due to blocked or swollen veins.
Under normal circumstances, your ankles shouldn’t be swollen or inflamed, so it’s important to pinpoint the cause of the inflammation and address it. Frequently, inflammation in the feet and ankles can be caused by overexertion during exercise, particularly after long periods of inactivity, or if an individual is particularly overweight. Even a slight twist of the ankle can cause inflammation, even if it doesn’t cause any actual injury. It is important to always wear supportive shoes when exercising to prevent inflammation and to start slowly with a new exercise regimen and increase physical activity.
If ankle inflammation isn’t caused by exercise or a minor injury, it could be related to a medical condition such as arthritis or gout. Both of these conditions cause joint swelling, which can be very painful and lead to inflammation in both ankles. In some rare cases, an infection can also cause ankle inflammation and can occur in the soft tissue surrounding the ankle or in the joint itself. Ankle inflammation that occurs from any of these causes will typically require treatment from a doctor and will often require medication to resolve the issue and prevent pain.
Vascular problems are another common cause of inflammation and also require immediate medical attention. A blood clot, for example, can cause swelling in the legs or ankles, as well as pain. This type of blood clot is known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and if it breaks, it can travel to the heart, lungs or brain and potentially cause a stroke or even death. Edema can also cause inflammation in the ankle and is caused by a number of different factors, from excessive salt intake to pregnancy, but one way to tell the difference is that a clot will only be in one leg, while edema is will check for both.
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