What is the reason for swelling of one ankle?

Ankle swelling is a very common condition in life, and there are many factors that cause this condition, some of which are caused by impact, and some are caused by some diseases. Most people experience swelling in both feet, but some people experience swelling in one foot only, and those who experience this don't know what causes it. So, what causes swelling in one ankle?

First, what is the reason for swelling of one ankle? The most common reason for swelling of one foot is poor blood flow. In this case, a color Doppler ultrasound examination of the lower limbs is often performed to confirm the disease and treat it. Another reason for swollen feet is kidney disease. In addition, there is also unexplained swelling of the feet due to eating too much salt, side effects of certain medications, etc. Take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself and catch a cold. The main causes of unilateral lower limb edema include lower limb venous valve insufficiency, lower limb venous thrombosis and phlebitis. In addition, extravenous hematoma, venous cancer thrombus, etc. can also be seen. Leg swelling that worsens after fatigue and eases after rest indicates poor venous return in the lower limbs. You can raise your feet when sitting or lying down to facilitate blood return. It can also be used for diuresis through diet therapy.

Second, the main symptom is swelling of one side of the limb, which starts at the ankle and later involves the entire lower limb. In the early stage, protein-rich lymph fluid accumulates in the interstitial space, forming soft pitting edema, while the skin remains normal. In the late stage, due to the accumulation of protein concentration in the interstitial space, inflammation and fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissue, the edema becomes non-pitting, the skin becomes thickened, dry, rough, pigmented, and warts or thorns appear. The degree of lymphedema is divided into: 1. Mild limb edema is pitting. After raising the limb, the edema may decrease or disappear, and there is no fibrotic damage to the skin. 2. Moderate edema: the limb will no longer be sunken when pressed, and the edema will not disappear significantly when the limb is raised. The skin has moderate fibrosis. 3. Severe leucoderma-like skin changes occur. Secondary lymphedema often presents with recurrent lymphangitis and gradually worsening lymphedema. When lymphangitis occurs, there will be local redness, swelling, pain, swollen lymph nodes, tenderness, and often accompanied by sudden chills and high fever.

What is the reason for swelling of one ankle? Late-stage lower limb lymphedema has typical characteristics of elephantiasis and is not difficult to diagnose. Since there are many diseases that can cause lower limb swelling, such as deep vein thrombosis, angioedema, arteriovenous fistula, etc., but the above diseases have their own medical history and manifestations, differential diagnosis is generally easier. For patients with unexplained lower limb swelling, radionuclide lymphangiography and lymphangiography can be performed to exclude or differentiate the cause of lymphatic lesions. The latter is divided into direct and indirect methods: the direct method is to inject methylene blue subcutaneously from the toe web to display the lymphatic vessels, and then directly puncture and inject iodine-containing contrast agent after exposure through a superficial skin incision; the indirect method is to inject absorbable contrast agent into the skin of the edema area and then take an X-ray.