If you’re dealing with foot and ankle swelling, it’s crucial to identify the cause before attempting any treatment. In today’s video, we look at nine causes and how to address them effectively.
The first cause is Number 9. “Trauma”.
If you’ve recently sprained or broken your ankle or foot, the swelling is your body’s normal inflammatory response to the injury. When soft tissues are damaged, the body sends extra blood and fluids to the area to remove debris and start repairing the injury, leading to swelling, redness, pain and warmth around the trauma site.
In the case of a broken bone, there is also internal bleeding that can pool in the area and cause significant swelling and bruising. The swelling helps stabilize the fracture but makes it difficult to walk or even get a shoe on.
To treat swelling caused by acute soft tissue injuries like sprains or trauma to the ankle or foot, use the PRICE method:
“Protect” the area by avoiding walking on it if it hurts and using crutches if necessary;
“Rest” by giving your ankle a break;
“Ice” by applying a cold pack that conforms to your ankle to reduce swelling and inflammation;
“Compress” using an ACE wrap to prevent fluid buildup, but not wrapping it too tightly;
and “Elevate” by keeping your ankle elevated, preferably using a leg wedge for comfort.
Also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication if approved by your doctor.
However, the most important treatment is time, as depending on the severity and location of the trauma, it could take six months or more for the swelling to fully subside, and some may persist permanently due to lymphatic or vascular damage.
The next cause is Number 8. “Infection”.
If you have an infection in your foot or ankle area, such as cellulitis, swelling will likely occur because your body sends extra blood and inflammatory cells to the infected site to fight off the invading bacteria. This swelling is usually accompanied by redness, warmth, pain, and sometimes fever or chills if the infection is severe.
Treating the underlying infection with antibiotics, whether oral, topical, or intravenous, is crucial. However, don’t forget to also utilize the RICE method—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—to manage the swelling itself, as reducing swelling can help your body combat the infection more effectively.
Infections like cellulitis can cause significant swelling and require prompt medical treatment to address this condition properly.