Causes of Swollen Ankles

Many people experience swelling in their ankles. While this may not always be a cause for serious concern, sometimes you need expert medical care. Swollen ankles after standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time may indicate you need to see a vein expert.

Choose Vein Specialists at our state-of-the-art vein clinic Fort Myers or vein clinic Bonita Springs. Our qualified staff helps you better understand your symptoms and if needed, recommend a swollen ankle evaluation & treatment. Your ankle swelling and pain may just be an occasional issue, but vein issues may often be the root of the problem. If vein valves weaken, this allows water from your blood to enter the tissues around the ankle. This causes swelling and pain.

Early diagnosis is key for venous disease. We offer minimally invasive swollen ankle treatment options to reduce swelling and prevent side effects of untreated venous disease. Our thorough diagnostic process scientifically identifies the underlying venous problems and allows us to provide you with the best & most effective treatment options.

While vein issues are a common cause of swollen ankles, other causes include:

  • Venous Insufficiency
  • Lymphedema
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Obesity
  • Preeclampsia In Pregnancy
  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Cirrhosis Of The Liver
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Certain Medications (Norvasc or Amlodipine)
Swollen ankle
Hand holding a swollen ankle

Don’t Let Swollen Ankles Go Untreated

Ankle swelling may be more uncomfortable than painful. This may lead you to thinking your swollen ankle is less of a threat to your health than it is. However, it is essential to seek expert care if you often have ankle swelling. Chronic swelling often signals a more complex health problem that may need to be addressed, such as heart or vascular issues.

Leaving swollen ankles untreated may cause:

  • Blood Clots In Your Legs
  • Infections
  • Poorly-Healing Wounds

How to Reduce Swollen Ankles

When you have swollen ankles, you do have options to help control or reduce your ankle swelling. Good habits to try for mild swelling before pursuing a medical evaluation for your swollen ankles include:

  • Elevating Your Legs Above Your Heart
  • Drinking Plenty of Water
  • Exercising, Stretching or Walking
  • Changing Your Diet to Reduce Salt Intake
  • Reviewing Your Medication List & Side Effects
  • Wearing Compression Stockings

However, if your ankle swelling persists, you need to talk to a doctor. The above measures may help with your ankle swelling, but they will not solve the cause of the swelling. That is why it is so important to consider an evaluation by renowned vein doctor Dr. Joseph Magnant at Vein Specialists in Fort Myers or Bonita Springs.

When to See a Doctor for Swollen Ankles

Chronic swelling you cannot control or reduce with any at-home measures is a cause for concern. Lifestyle changes may help, but if you do not treat the cause, swelling will persist. Signs it is time to visit a doctor for a vein evaluation include:

  • Worsening of Swelling, Lack of Improvement
  • Redness or Heat in Swelling Area of Swelling
  • Having a Fever
  • Developing Blisters or Sores
  • Indentions Forming if You Press on the Swollen Area
  • Swelling Only Occurring in One Ankle

While all these signs may indicate venous disease, swelling on one side of your body may indicate signals DVT. DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, is a condition related to deep blood clots. If untreated, it can cause serious health complications beyond swollen ankles.

Vein Specialists Knows Veins Best

You do not have to live with swollen ankles. You need a medical team who will treat the cause of the swelling, not just the symptoms. Choose Vein Specialists in Bonita Springs or Fort Myers for comprehensive expert vein care.

Dr. Joseph Magnant is a board-certified Vascular Surgeon with 30 years of experience. He and his expert team use the latest diagnostic and treatment technology to provide you with the best diagnosis and care. Our registered vascular sonographers perform a comprehensive venous ultrasound on your legs. This ultrasound provides an inside look at your vascular system’s health and performance.

Our experts analyze every detail of your ultrasound to determine the cause of your swelling. If it is vein-related, our team guides you in deciding the best swollen ankle treatment. We consider your entire health history, signs and symptoms for the best possible care. Our goal is to help you enjoy having healthy ankles again.

Best Treatments for Swollen Ankles

Vein Specialists in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs offers a range of swollen ankle treatment options for swelling caused by venous insufficiency. Our expert team will review your diagnosis to help you choose the most effective treatment. Treatments range from compression therapy to reduce your symptoms to procedures to target the underlying vein condition. See a vein expert, not a general physician, to ensure you get the best-swollen ankle treatment.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy is a straightforward, simple but effective swollen ankle treatment. Wearing weighted compression stockings applies pressure to your ankles. This promotes proper blood flow, reducing swelling.

While you can buy compression stockings over the counter, it is better to talk to a doctor. Dr. Magnant and his team can prescribe medical-grade stockings. They know the exact weight you need.

We recommend wearing these stockings to alleviate symptoms of venous insufficiency. They are a good initial treatment. Also, many insurance companies require trying compression therapy before they approve more intensive swollen ankle treatment or vein options.

Endovenous Ablation

Endovenous ablation is a swollen ankle treatment that seals leaky veins. During this treatment, Dr. Magnant inserts a small catheter into the vein. Using medical adhesive or mild heat, he seals the leaking vein, redirecting blood flow. This improves your body’s circulation, reducing ankle swelling and providing you with relief.

Microphlebectomy

Varicose veins may be the cause of your ankle swelling. In this case, consider microphlebectomy as a swollen ankle treatment. This is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure that requires less than half an hour. During this procedure, Dr. Magnant makes tiny incisions to remove your problem varicose veins.

With our advanced ultrasound mapping, our expert staff can determine the exact cause of your swollen ankles. We can map your leaky veins to provide the best swollen ankle treatment. This may include a combination of endovenous ablation and microphlebectomy. We can even perform both treatments on the same day.

VenaSeal™ Vein Treatment

VenaSeal™ is a swollen ankle treatment targets diseased veins. Dr. Magnant uses an FDA-approved medical adhesive to close off leaky or diseased veins. Once he injects the adhesive, this seals the vein. This treatment redirects your natural blood flow to health veins. Healthy blood flow reduces venous insufficiency and, in turn, ankle swelling.

Injection Sclerotherapy

Eliminate small varicose veins and spider veins alike with injection sclerotherapy. This swollen ankle treatment is a good supplemental treatment following sealing off larger leaky veins. It involves injecting an FDA-approved chemical solution into an unhealthy vein, causing the vein wall to become inflamed. This naturally closes off the vein, reducing vein problems and swelling. However, this swollen ankle treatment may require multiple sessions. It may take up to 12 weeks to see the best results.

Swollen Ankle Treatment You Can Trust

Vein Specialists helps patients throughout the Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, and Naples areas find relief from venous insufficiency. Since 2006, Dr. Joseph Magnant and his team of advanced registered nurse practitioners have helped patients take back their life from poor vascular health. An expert swollen ankle treatment could be the key for you to find relief.

We use the latest ultrasound technology and offer the latest vein treatments. Put your vein health in the hands of vascular experts who treat you, not just your symptoms. Ensure your swollen ankles do not highlight a more serious vein issue. Receive the best care possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you get rid of swollen ankles?

    Healthy habits like drinking water, exercising and reducing your salt intake can reduce swelling. Wearing compression socks and elevating your ankles also help. If you are unable to control swelling on your own, you may need medical attention for vein disease.

  • Why is only one ankle swollen?

    If your ankle is not swollen due to an injury or sprain, it may signal an underlying health issue. It may indicate trauma, lymphatic blockage or a blood vessel blockage. If swelling does not go down on its own, seek expert vein care right away.

  • How long does it take for a swollen ankle to go down?

    If you elevate your ankles or try another at-home swollen ankle treatment, swelling should go down quickly. However, if swelling does not subside, talk to a doctor. It may indicate a more serious health issue that requires medical intervention.

  • Does hot water help a swollen ankle?

    Soaking your ankle may help reduce swelling. For the best results, alternate between hot and cold water to help blood vessels contract and dilate. Switching between hot and cold water improves circulation and, in turn, reduces swelling.

What Our Patients are Saying

"The doctor, the receptionist and the technicians are excellent. They explain everything very well and put your mind at ease. I had a situation and they got me in right away to get me checked out. I highly recommend them...

– Barb D.

"Very caring staff, wouldn't go anywhere else."

– Greg F.

"My procedures and multiple ultrasounds were very comfortable with little to no discomfort. The doctor and staff are very knowledgeable and efficient with great respect for my well-being. Very satisfied and would definit...

– Charity H.

"I had two procedures done on my legs. I was nervous when I went in for the first one, but everyone took great care of me and calmed me down quickly. Dr. Magnant talked to me through the entire procedure and made me feel...

– Cathy B.

"I had a good experience at Vein Specialist in Fort Myers. The staff is so caring, compassionate and explained my procedures so I could understand it. Keep up the good work. It matters."

– Cynthia W.

"The entire patient experience has been top notch! Dr. Magnant and his staff provided unparalleled service and care for my venous issues. I would highly recommend him and his team to anyone looking for treatment."

– Kevin L.

"I am absolutely thrilled to give Vein Specialist a heartfelt five-star review. After undergoing vein treatment on my right leg with Dr. Magnant just a few weeks ago, I returned today for my second leg treatment. This ti...

– Joanna Wyatt

"Leann was so sweet and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure."

– Patrice

"I’m delighted to share my positive experience at Vein Specialists and im excited to return today for my second leg treatment by Dr. Magnant. It’s great to share that my right leg has already shown significant improv...

– Betty Jeleniowski

"Thank you Dr. Magnant for your amazing work. It's a fabulous feeling to see the results of having no more pain and swelling. Best part of it, was your surgical table side manner."

– Darlene R.

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