Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Can Cause Ankle Inflammation?

B. Miller
B. Miller

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 an ankle strain due to overexertion during exercise, or from tripping and falling. More serious injuries can also cause swelling and inflammation, such as a break or sprain, but these are typically easier to pinpoint as the cause. Arthritis can also contribute to inflammation, as well as other medical conditions like gout, or restricted blood flow to the area due to vein obstruction or swelling.

Under normal circumstances, the ankles should not be swollen or inflamed, so it is important to pinpoint the cause of inflammation and address it. Frequently, inflammation in the feet and ankles can be caused by overexertion during exercise, particularly following long periods of inactivity, or if an individual is particularly overweight. A slight twist of the ankle can also cause inflammation, even if it does not cause actual injury. It is important to always wear supportive shoes when exercising to prevent inflammation, and to start slowly with a new exercise regime, and build up to greater physical activity.

A person with ankle inflammation.
A person with ankle inflammation.

If the ankle inflammation is not 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 swelling of the joints, which can be very painful and lead to inflammation in both ankles. In some rare cases, an infection can also cause inflammation in the ankles, and it may occur in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle or in the actual joint. Ankle inflammation that occurs for any of these causes will typically require the treatment of a doctor, and will often require medication to resolve the issue and prevent pain.

Excess weight carried in the body may cause the ankle joints to swell.
Excess weight carried in the body may cause the ankle joints to swell.

Vascular issues are another common cause of inflammation, and also require immediate medical treatment. A blood clot, for instance, can cause swelling in the leg or ankles, as well as pain. This type of blood clot is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and if it breaks off, can travel to the heart, lungs, or brain and potentially cause a stroke or even death. Edema can also cause ankle inflammation and is brought on by a number of different factors from excessive salt intake to pregnancy, but one way to tell the difference is that a clot will just be in one leg, while edema will occur in both.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

@literally45-- It could also be ankle tendinitis. My brother has chronic ankle tendinitis. The only exercises he can do are light walking and swimming, otherwise his ankles become inflamed.

I've only had swollen ankles once, after an international flight. By the time I got home, my ankles were so huge, it was scary. It was because I couldn't extend my legs for fifteen hours. I did a foot soak with some Epsom salt and that took care of it.

fBoyle

@literally45-- What type of pain do you have? How bad is the swelling?

I wonder if you're wearing the wrong kind of shoes, because wearing shoes without enough support can cause this kind of inflammation in the ankles and feet. It's caused by the weight of your body landing on your ankles instead of going through your foot and into the ground. It can take some time to find the right running shoes, but it's totally worth it.

I used to get sore and swollen ankles daily before I found the right pair of orthopedic running shoes. So you should definitely look into this.

As for the inflammation, do the RICE treatment which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.

literally45

What should I do for ankle inflammation caused by overexertion?

I've been jogging everyday for the past several weeks and this morning, I noticed inflammation and pain in my ankles. I guess they couldn't take the activity. I'm going to stop jogging for a while but what else should I do?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A person with ankle inflammation.
      By: Dusan Kostic
      A person with ankle inflammation.
    • Excess weight carried in the body may cause the ankle joints to swell.
      By: Dave
      Excess weight carried in the body may cause the ankle joints to swell.
    • A blood clot can cause swelling in the ankles.
      By: p6m5
      A blood clot can cause swelling in the ankles.
    • People who roll their feet too far outward while walking may experience recurrent issues with Achilles tendonitis.
      By: GVictoria
      People who roll their feet too far outward while walking may experience recurrent issues with Achilles tendonitis.
    • Gout is a type of arthritic disease that usually causes inflammation in the joints in the lower part of the body.
      By: p6m5
      Gout is a type of arthritic disease that usually causes inflammation in the joints in the lower part of the body.
    • Ankle inflammation may be caused by arthritis.
      By: Arman Zhenikeyev
      Ankle inflammation may be caused by arthritis.
    • Overexertion during exercise can cause ankle inflammation.
      By: Dirima
      Overexertion during exercise can cause ankle inflammation.
    • NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory drugs may benefit people suffering from an inflamed ankle or other joint.
      By: Photographee.eu
      NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory drugs may benefit people suffering from an inflamed ankle or other joint.