Why is my leg swollen above my ankle?

Are you rocking a new ankle accessory? Has your leg decided to resemble a balloon after spending time on your feet lately? Don’t panic, you’re not extra Earth-bound, it’s likely that there are several reasons why this has happened. In fact, one in every four people will experience swollen ankles at least once in their lifetime. Still curious about what the possible causes could be? Grab a seat and let’s dive into the top six reasons why your leg may have puffed up like a marshmallow.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a frightening cause of swelling above the ankle (edema) as it can lead to life-threatening conditions if left untreated. It occurs when blood clots form within veins deep inside the body and block blood flow from flowing onwards. This can lead to inflammation, redness and severe pain near the affected area.

Lymphatic Obstruction

The lymphatic system plays an important role in our bodies. It helps remove toxins from tissues and returns fluids back into circulation via ducts known as “lymph vessels”. A disorder of these lymph vessels may occur due to surgery where they were accidentally damaged during incision, causing harm around areas such as knees or upper thigh muscles.This tendsto obstruct normal fluid drainage which leads to swollen limbs including – yep you guessed it- ankles!

Medications

Some medications may result in side effects leading to oedema; drugs used for mild hypertension (water pills), hormone replacement therapy(hrt) medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines(NSAIDs), calcium channel blockers used for heart disease etc., justto mention afew.Suchmedicationscan alterthe hydrostatic balance between tissues resulting swelled legs at times.So,pay heed & read labels before consuming them.

Pregnancy-Caused Edema

During pregnancy, mothers to be produce extra blood and fluids which results in a bloated condition. In some instances, this may cause bloodstream pressures to rise leading to edemas happening frequently.It’s always important that an expecting parent schedules regular checkups with their Dr. throughout the course of their term.

Injury or Trauma

Have you been involved recently in accident leading to ankle injury? Fractures, multiple twisted or sprained ankles can trigger inflammation causing tenderness,resultingin edema.Thus,elevation or application of ice packs helpaquickrecoverytime!

Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is due problemswiththe valvesinsideofveinsresulting from weak veins walls within our bodies.Complicating factor leads backflow of blood towards our leg (ultimately resulting in swelling above ankle). Thus,it istimeto look forappropriate solutions such as exercise & proper footwear.

As mentioned earlier, swollen legs might happen even without any underlying issue.However,in certain cases it’s crucialto handle and manage properly.What precautions should we preemptively take if oedemabecomesapersistent problem?

Tips To Reduce Swelling Above Ankle

  • Avoid Long Periods on Feet
  • Elevate Your Legs When Sleeping
  • Exercise Regularly
  • Use Compression Socks During Physical Activity
  • Always Keep Yourself Hydrated & Stay away From Alcohol Till Symptom resolve!

These are few tips that can prevent edema from persistently affecting your body.Rememberhealthis wealth,hence Ifyoufeelrestless ordizzyforanextended amountoftime immediately visit your physician.Moreoverifyou have noticed symmetricalswelingontheparticularpartofboth thelegsit’sbevaluable visitingadoctoratyour earliest!

Random Posts