What causes lower leg and ankle swelling?

Sometimes it can feel like our bodies are just out to get us. You’re going about your day, minding your own business when suddenly – WHAM! Your ankle has turned into a grapefruit and you have no idea why. Thankfully, we’ve got the information you need to understand what’s causing that pesky swelling in your lower legs and ankles.

What is Lower Leg and Ankle Swelling?

Before we dive into the reasons behind leg and ankle swelling, let’s first take a look at what exactly that means. When fluid collects in the tissues of your legs or ankles (or both), it causes them to swell up like party balloons on steroids. Often this type of swelling will go away on its own without much intervention, but sometimes it can indicate an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

How Do I Know if I Have Lower Leg and Ankle Swelling?

Well for starters: Look down! If you notice that one or both of your feet looks like they belong to someone who accidentally wandered into Willy Wonka’s factory then congratulations – you’ve got some serious evening plans with an ice pack. Other signs might include skin that feels tight or shiny, pain when standing or walking, difficulty moving around comfortably…or even clothes feeling tighter than normal!

Causes of Lower Leg And Ankle Swelling

Okay okay…so now let’s talk about WHY those Hobbit-like feet have decided make an appearance today:

1) Injuries

The most obvious source for leg & ankle swelling would be injuries – bruises (don’t pretend you haven’t walked into a coffee table before), fractures (skydiving off Mount Everest seemed fun at first) etc- essentially any trauma near the affected area which results in inflammation)

2) Blood Clots

We’re not talking about ghosts that haunt your body – actual clogs in blood vessels like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (that’s a quick way to end up on bed rest…MOVIES ARE A LIE!!) which can result from clumps of platelets stopping the flow – leading to swelling.

3) Heart, liver or kidney disease

Okay let’s be honest here- our organs aren’t working with their latest software update, but heart, liver or kidney diseases could trigger those swollen legs too. When these important body parts are having some trouble doing their jobs properly — fluids can escape and collect elsewhere making that swell-game real exciting.

4) Poor Blood Circulation

Remember how Jimmy borrowed your $10 two years ago? He never paid you back and eventually cut off all contact. At first you weren’t fussed — but now imagine Jimmy is actually the blood flowing through your veins NOT being able to move correctly because something’s inhibiting it (cough cough sitting too long at a desk job work cough)

5) Medications

Didn’t think that just popping pills for simple things would cause those awful water-balloon-like limbs? Think again honey!, medications aimed towards lowering Blood pressure/anti-inflammatories/Steroids etc have also been known to get this party started.

Treatment Options

Getting treatment will depend on what has caused the swelling initially:

Ice Packs and Bandaging

Generally most cases won’t need drastic interventions other than elevation/rest/Ice building an alliance against any offending forces- keeping them close together by wrapping them with compression bandages etc.

Exercise

Unless specifically enacted upon further medical advice – taking walks/movement & other low intensity exercises may help alleviate symptoms associated with inflammation as it ca stimulate-circulation!

Do’s and Dont’s –

DO:
Lay down throughout the day – elevating feet/legs.
Ice affected area- if you don’t have an ice pack, can also use a bag with frozen vegetables (reusable ones!)
Light exercise!

DON’T:
Sit for prolonged periods of time but instead take regular walking breaks
Constrict the affected area with stuff like tight clothes/accessories.

Conclusion: Ready to Combat that Swell

There are many reasons why lower leg and ankle swelling happens – But acknowledging it isn’t just ‘another day at the office’ is crucial in maintaining healthy circulation within our wondrous fleshbags we call bodies (isn’t life fun). Doing some light stretching exercises after sitting all day or elevating those puppies might just save you from experiencing what feels like 6 hours inside Willy Wonka’s chocolate river tour (if not…at least you’ll improve your flexibility so when people ask why your legs aren’t straightened you can nonchalantly tap both ankles together without any hassle)

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