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ANKLE SWELLING (NON-INJURY)

Severely swollen ankles are usually the result of some kind of water retention or swelling brought on by kidney failure, phlebitis, arthritis or other medical condition.

The condition is not usually painful but there will be stiffness because of the swelling. Proper shoe wear becomes problematic. Many stop wearing shoes altogether because of it, preferring non-supportive sandals and house slippers that are soft and seemingly protect their feet (they do not; in fact they place the person at risk for falls and other foot problems).

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Edema
• Ankle sprain without symptoms other than swelling

Symptoms:

• Swollen ankles - there may be pain or may not

Signs to look for:

• Front part of foot is normal width but ankle area is extremely swollen
• Shoes fit in toe box but not at the instep and ankle
• Ankle and instep show shoe red pressure marks where the shoe is too tight

Possible Causes:

• Compromised circulation caused by diabetes, kidney failure, congestive heart failure or other medical condition
• Natural progression of age and gravity so blood pools at ankles
• Heredity
• Occurs in those whose leg veins were used in heart bypass surgery
• Water retention
• Phlebitis
• Arthritis

Goals:

• Footwear that accommodates the swollen area and also provides support for the foot
• Stimulate circulation in feet
• Balance need for width at ankle with length of shoe so that shoes are too long
• Program for reducing swelling

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift
• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and steel shank
• MBT physiological footwear for those without significant ambulation issues
• Apex Chukka shoe with wide opening for ankle where extreme swelling causes foot to fit in a regular extra depth shoe
• Avoid high heels
• Avoid going barefoot
• Wear shoes with titanium springs for exercising

Other:

• Compression hosiery products
• "Healing socks" that are extra wide at the ankle and calf

Activities:

• Medical treatment as appropriate
• Elevation of feet when possible
• Regular exercise program
• Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling