Why would one ankle swell and not another?

A swollen foot may be caused blood vessel blockage, lymphatic blockage, or trauma from an injury. Other causes of swelling in one foot include skin infections like cellulitis, or ankle arthritis which can also be the cause of one swollen ankle.

Why would one of my ankles be swollen?

Sometimes swelling can indicate a problem such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure. Kidney disease can also cause foot and ankle swelling.

Should I be concerned if my left ankle is swollen?

Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition. Many factors — varying greatly in severity — can cause leg swelling.

Why is my left ankle puffy?

Common causes of swollen ankles, feet and legs

eating too much salty food. being overweight. being enceinte. taking certain medicines – such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, hormone therapy, antidepressants or organic compounds.

How do you get rid of fluid on the ankle?

7 Helpful Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet and Ankles
  1. Walk it Out. …
  2. Drink Lots of Water. …
  3. Sleep on Your Side. …
  4. Enjoy Some Pool Time. …
  5. Limit Your Salt. …
  6. Wear Compression Socks. …
  7. Elevate Your Feet.

How do I get rid of fluid in my ankle?

Home care
  1. Rest. Stay off your ankle or leg until you can get to the doctor or until the swelling goes away.
  2. Ice. Put ice on the swollen area as soon as you can for 15 to 20 minutes. …
  3. Compression. Wrap your ankle or leg snugly, but be sure not to cut off circulation. …
  4. Elevation.

Can heart problems cause swelling in one leg?

Congestive heart failure.

If you have congestive heart failure, one or both of your heart’s lower chambers lose their ability to pump blood effectively. As a result, blood can back up in your legs, ankles and feet, causing edema.

What does heart failure swelling look like?

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. Blood often backs up and causes fluid to build up in the lungs (congest) and in the legs. The fluid buildup can cause shortness of breath and swelling of the legs and feet. Poor blood flow may cause the skin to appear blue (cyanotic).

Can you have edema in only one leg?

Peripheral edema typically affects both legs. Edema in only one leg may be related to something in that leg or the groin on the same side. In some instances, edema can affect the lungs and lead to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, which requires urgent medical care.

How can you tell if your ankle is swollen and your heart is related?

Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet

Swelling (edema) in your lower legs is another sign of a heart problem. When your heart doesn’t work as well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in your legs. This causes fluid to build up in your tissues.

Why is one leg more swollen than another?

Some of the causes for swelling in only one leg include: Infection in the foot or leg. Muscle strain or tear in the affected leg. Blockage of the leg’s lymphatic system.

Can diabetes cause swelling in one leg?

The swelling is called edema, which is often caused by an underlying issue such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or diabetes. The buildup of fluid can happen in any part of the body, but it’s most common in the hands, arms, legs, feet, and ankles. Edema is just one side effect of diabetes.

Does walking help swollen ankles?

Tips to reduce ankle and foot swelling

Simple lifestyle changes — such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr. Botek. She suggested activities such as walking and swimming.

How do you get rid of edema in one leg?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Movement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. …
  2. Elevation. …
  3. Massage. …
  4. Compression. …
  5. Protection. …
  6. Reduce salt intake.

What causes fluid build up in one leg?

Leg swelling isn’t always a sign of a heart or circulation problem. You can have swelling due to fluid buildup simply from being overweight, being inactive, sitting or standing for a long time, or wearing tight stockings or jeans. Factors related to fluid buildup include: Acute kidney failure.

What causes swelling in one leg and foot?

Fluid buildup (edema): It happens when the tissues or blood vessels in your legs hold more fluid than they should. This can happen if you simply spend a long day on your feet or sit for too long. But it may also be a sign that you’re overweight or don’t get enough exercise, or of more serious medical conditions.

What medications can cause swollen ankles?

These 7 Medications Can Cause Puffy Legs and Ankles
  • First, how do you determine the cause of swelling? Gradual swelling in your legs and feet might not be obvious. …
  • 1) Amlodipine. …
  • 2) Gabapentin. …
  • 3) Pregabalin. …
  • 4) NSAIDs. …
  • 5) Oral contraceptives. …
  • 6) Oral organic compounds. …
  • 7) Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.

What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that happens when blood sugar (glucose) is too high (hyperglycemia).

Why can’t diabetics cut toenails?

Diabetes may cause nerve damage and numbness in your feet, which means you could have a foot wound without knowing it. Poor circulation makes healing harder, which increases your risk of infection and slow-healing wounds.

What does diabetic legs look like?

Also known as “shin spots,” the hallmark of diabetic dermopathy is light brown, scaly patches of skin, often occurring on the shins. These patches may be oval or circular. They’re caused by damage to the small blood vessels that supply the tissues with nutrition and oxygen.