Sometimes swelling can indicate a problem such as heart, liver, or kidney disease Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure Kidney disease can also cause foot and ankle swelling
What is the main cause of swollen ankles?
Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema Oedema is usually caused by: standing or sitting in the same position for too long eating too much salty food
How do you get rid of swollen ankles?
7 Helpful Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet and Ankles Walk it Out Drink Lots of Water Sleep on Your Side Enjoy Some Pool Time Limit Your Salt Wear Compression Socks Elevate Your Feet
Should I go to the doctor for swollen ankles?
When the cause is minor or temporary, swollen ankles are often treatable at home, but there are some cases when they need to be treated by a doctor In these situations, swollen ankles could be a sign of a serious illness If your swollen ankles occur along with shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911
When should I be concerned about swollen ankles?
If your swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor right away If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911
Can dehydration cause swollen ankles?
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
When should you see a doctor for swollen feet?
When should you call the doctor? “Report your symptoms to your doctor if there’s so much swelling that it leaves an indentation if you press your finger into it, or if it has developed suddenly, lasts for more than a few days, affects just one foot, or is accompanied by pain or discoloration of the skin,” Dr
What does water retention in ankles mean?
Sitting or standing too long can cause your tissue to hold water If your job keeps you on your feet, you may notice swollen legs and ankles at the end of the day It’s also common after a long time on an airplane The key is to keep blood circulating
What medications cause swollen ankles?
Medications that may cause the feet to swell include: hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone calcium-channel blockers that help control blood pressure steroids, both androgenic and anabolic, and corticosteroids antidepressants nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs medication to help manage diabetes
Does swollen ankles mean heart failure?
Swelling of the feet is a common sign of heart failure You may also notice swelling in your legs, ankles, and stomach Many things can cause swelling, so it’s important to see your doctor to diagnose the cause
When should you worry about swelling?
When to Seek Care for Swelling You should seek emergency care if you have sudden, unexplained swelling in just one limb or if it occurs along with chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, fever, or skin that is red and warm to the touch
When should I be worried about swelling?
Swelling by itself is not usually a sign of heart, liver, or kidney disease However, people with swelling that also experience a loss of appetite, weight gain, and fatigue should talk to a doctor Shortness of breath or chest pain should always trigger a 911 call
What causes ankles to swell in elderly?
Legs, ankles, and feet swell when excess fluid is pulled down by gravity and builds up in the lower body This is called edema and it’s common in older adults and usually happens on both sides of the body It can be caused by a variety of health conditions including heart failure, kidney disease, gout, and arthritis
Can sitting too long cause ankle swelling?
The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age
Are swollen ankles life threatening?
Swollen ankles can also indicate a potentially serious disorder, such as congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, and liver failure Because ankle swelling can indicate a potentially life-threatening illness, you should seek prompt medical care and talk with your medical professional about your symptoms
How do you flush out edema?
Lifestyle and home remedies Movement Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart Elevation Massage Compression Protection Reduce salt intake
Does walking help swollen ankles?
Tips to reduce ankle and foot swelling Simple lifestyle changes — such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr Botek She suggested activities such as walking and swimming
Why do ankles swell when sitting?
When a person’s feet swell, the condition is referred to as dependent edema It develops when extra fluid is trapped in your body’s tissues And when you sit for a long period with your legs hanging downward, gravity pulls the fluid down into your feet, resulting in swollen feet
Will kidney problems make your feet swell?
Decreased kidney function can lead to sodium retention, causing swelling in your feet and ankles Swelling in the lower extremities can also be a sign of heart disease, liver disease and chronic leg vein problems
Does diabetes cause swollen feet?
Diabetes can also cause edema or swelling in the feet and ankles Swelling in people with diabetes is usually due to factors associated with diabetes, such as: obesity poor circulation
How do I get rid of fluid in my legs and feet?
Home Care Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down Exercise your legs Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores) When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around