Swollen Ankles – 5 Health Problems

Do you have swollen ankles all the time and you are unable to determine the cause of this. It turns out that the issue may be a bit more serious than we might think. Swollen ankles can reveal certain health problems that would otherwise be unnoticeable to us.

There are many tricks to getting relief from the swelling. For example, we can lift our legs, dip them in lukewarm salt water or drink anti-inflammatory infusions such as dandelion tea.

However, if the problem persists and persists for a long time, it may turn out that it will be necessary to visit a specialist who will precisely determine the cause of this unpleasant phenomenon.

Thanks to this, we will be able to fix the problem at its source. Moreover, we will find out if it is an ailment in itself or if it is just the tip of the iceberg revealing some more serious problem hidden in our body.

1. Swollen ankles and weakened blood vessels

The most common reason why ankle swelling occurs is because of poor blood circulation. In the elderly, it may be caused by weakening of the blood vessels or an even more serious problem.

However, when it comes to young people, it may be about innate tendencies or other reasons, such as:

• Incorrect body position while sitting.
• Many hours spent standing.
• Sleeping in the wrong position.

If that’s the case for you, just try to change these habits. It may turn out that just this is enough to feel better. Nevertheless, it is worth consulting a specialist doctor, because swollen ankles may well be a symptom of some more serious cardiovascular disease.

Such hidden diseases include diseases of the blood system, among others. They can be divided into diseases of the veins and arteries:

• Arterial disease can be the result of some local artery damage or even an aneurysm. They can also result from atherosclerotic diseases.
• Venous diseases include varicose veins and thrombosis.

2. Blood clots

If you have a swollen ankle on only one side, it could be a sign of a blood clot obstructing a blood vessel.

Swelling may be accompanied by:

• Ache
• Low-grade fever
• Color changes, such as skin darkening or pale skin

Either way, as soon as you notice these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible to get an appropriate diagnosis.

3. Inappropriate way of performing the exercises

If you are exercising on your own, you may be doing it the wrong way. To be sure of this, take a look at your ankles. If they are swollen, you must pay attention to this.

If this is the case, you must be careful not to confuse it with sourdoughs.

• The latter appear in conjunction with severe pain, feel them much deeper and not on the surface of the body.
• Inflammation occurs in only one limb. However, if they appear in both legs, you need to analyze how you are doing the exercises. Inappropriate footwear may also be involved.

4. Lack of proper rest

In this case, it may be a symptom of not getting enough sleep or following an inappropriate diet.

• To alleviate this problem, reduce your sodium, sugar and flour intake.
• Take a 15-minute nap throughout the day. You don’t even need to fall asleep, just lift your legs up.
• Also, try to sleep six to eight hours a night.

5. Reaction to medications

You may be taking medications that cause this type of reaction in you. It turns out that a side effect of some medications is ankle swelling.

• In such a situation, it would be best to consult a doctor. Sometimes you just have to put up with it. In other cases, however, it may be a factor indicating that the dosage of the medications needs to be better matched or even replaced with different ones.

Swollen ankles – natural remedies for relief

Luckily, no matter what the cause, there are natural solutions to help you when you develop ankle swelling. They are able to reduce bothersome symptoms or even completely eliminate them.

For best results, you can use chamomile oil or prepare an infusion by gently massage around the swollen ankle.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of chamomile flowers (20 g)
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

A method of preparing:

• Heat the water and when it starts to boil, add the chamomile to it.

• Simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat source and let it cool down.
• Drain and slowly pour the infusion on the legs.
• Massage with circular movements for several minutes. Do this from the feet to the knees.

Remember that if you develop ankle swelling and it does not go away after using the remedies we recommend, it may be a symptom of more serious health problems.

In such a situation, it would be best to see a specialist doctor.