Swelling of the ankles may seem trivial, but this symptom can sometimes reveal serious illnesses. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, explains to you when you have to worry and consult without delay.
Swelling of the ankles, a frequent symptom but not trivial
Edema in the ankles can be linked to benign causes or serious illnesses. As Dr. Kierzek reminds us: “The swelling of the ankles (edema) can have multiple causes: poor blood circulation (venous insufficiency), trauma (spraining, fracture), standing or prolonged sitting, too salty diet, pregnancy, taking certain drugs, heart, hepatic or renal pathologies, infections, but also phlebitis or venous thrombosis“.
This symptom becomes worrying when it settles or is accompanied by other alert signals. The doctor insists on the need for a quick consultation “In case of brutal swelling, accompanied by intense pain, redness, local heat or difficulty moving the ankle“. He adds that vigilance is essential”If the swelling does not disappear after a few days of rest“or again”If edema is chronic, recurrent or occurs on a single member (risk of thrombosis)“.
Signs that must alert
Beyond the swelling itself, certain associated symptoms require an immediate reaction. Dr. Kierzek quotes in particular “en Presence of associated symptoms: shortness of breath, significant fatigue, chest pain, heart rhythm disorder, fever, heart, renal or taking medication favoring edema“.
Specialists also highlight other alarming signals such as redness with heat and deep pain, which can indicate phlebitis or venous thrombosis, difficulty walking, brutal shortness of breath or blue and cold skin. These manifestations sometimes translate serious pathologies likely to initiate the vital prognosis.
Two serious diseases hidden behind this symptom
In some cases, repeated swelling of the ankles can be the warning sign of serious affections. Hepatic steatosis, commonly known as fatty liver disease, causes water retention, which can manifest itself by edema of the lower limbs. Heart insufficiency, on the other hand, often results in shortness of breath and persistent swelling of the ankles, signs of poor blood circulation.
Faced with these risks, the rule remains the same: “If swelling is accompanied by other disturbing symptoms or persists, rapid medical advice is essential“Concludes Dr. Kierzek.