What Is the Cause of Swollen Ankles?

Swollen ankles may be accompanied by: 

• Swollen or puffy feet or legs
• Shiny, stretched skin
• Skin redness or other changes in skin color
• Pain or tenderness

Call 911 or get to a hospital’s emergency department (do not drive yourself) if you have swollen ankles and: 

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain, tightness, or heaviness

These may be signs of a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. 

Treatment for swollen ankles depends on the cause. 

Home remedies to reduce swelling in the ankles includes: 

• Lie down and prop up the swollen ankles above the level of the heart
• Gentle exercise, such as walking, to help improve blood flow
• Wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole
• Don’t stand or sit for prolonged periods
• Avoid wearing tight clothing, socks, or shoes 
• Reduce salt consumption 
• Lose weight if overweight or obese

Treatment for swollen ankles due to medication side effects includes:

• Stopping or switching medications
• Changing the dosage or regimen
• Never stop taking a prescribed medication or change the dose or regimen without first talking to your doctor

Treatment for swollen ankles due to injury such as a sprain or strain includes:

• RICE method
  • Rest: keep weight off the knee
  • Ice: to decrease pain, swelling, and redness
    • If an injury is iced immediately, it may prevent some inflammation
    • Use an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel
    • Apply crushed ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times daily
  • Compression: to support the knee and prevent inflammation
    • Use elastic wraps such as Ace bandages
    • Do not wrap too tightly
  • Elevation: propped up the affected leg to help reduce fluid buildup 
    • Try to raise the ankle above the level of the heart
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)
• Range of motion exercises (depending on the type of injury)
• Splints and braces
• Surgery

Treatment for swollen ankles due to arthritis and other autoimmune conditions depends on the condition and may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroids
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Treatment for swollen ankles due to pregnancy or pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia includes:

• The only treatment is delivery
• If preeclampsia occurs before term, there is an attempt to delay delivery to 37 weeks 
• Home remedies may help relieve some swelling and discomfort

Treatment for swollen ankles due to kidney, liver, or heart problems includes: 

• Treating the underlying condition
• Reducing the amount of salt (sodium) in the diet
• Diuretics to eliminate excess fluid
• Compression stockings

Treatment for swollen ankles due to blood clots includes:

• Anticoagulants
• Thrombolytic therapy, in severe cases
• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter 

Treatment for swollen ankles due to infection depends on the type of infection and may include:

• Sores due to diabetic neuropathy and other nerve problems 
  • Wound cleansing and management
  • Antibiotics
  • Surgery
• Ingrown toenail
  • Lifting the nail 
  • Partially removing the nail or removing the nail and tissue in more severe cases
• Athlete’s foot
  • Antifungal cream/lotion/gel

Treatment for swollen ankles due to lymphedema includes:

• Skin care
• Weight management
• Physiotherapy
• Compression therapy (i.e., compression bandaging, compression garments)
• Surgery, for severe cases