A swollen ankle can occur suddenly – after exercise, for no apparent reason or even without any pain at all. But what is the cause? A harmless irritation, a serious injury or perhaps even an illness? Here you will learn how to recognize the causes and how to treat swelling effectively.
Swollen ankles – harmless or a warning sign?
The causes of swollen ankles range from harmless overuse to more serious illnesses. Athletes are particularly prone to swelling, whether from sprains, torn ligaments or fatigue. However, other factors such as water retention, illnesses or thromboses can also cause swelling.
Causes of swollen ankles – overview
The causes of swollen ankles can be roughly divided into two categories:
- Medical causes: fluid retention, circulatory disorders, diseases such as heart failure or thrombosis.
- Mechanical causes: sprains, overuse or injuries to the ankle.
One-sided swelling often indicates a localized cause such as an injury or thrombosis. If both ankles are swollen, it may indicate a systemic disease or fluid retention (edema).
Medical causes of swollen ankles
In some cases, the swelling may be caused by health issues such as circulatory disorders, fluid retention or serious illnesses. A more detailed examination is necessary, especially if the swelling occurs without any apparent cause, persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Thrombosis – swollen ankle on one side as a warning sign
Thrombosis can be one of the most dangerous causes of sudden, unilateral ankle swelling. This is caused by a blood clot forming in a vein, which obstructs the blood flow. If left untreated, the clot can travel further and, in the worst case, trigger a pulmonary embolism.
Typical symptoms of thrombosis:
- Swelling on one side of the ankle or lower leg
- Tension or pulling pain in the calf
- Overheating and redness or bluish discoloration of the skin
People who spend a lot of time sitting or lying down are particularly at risk, for example after an operation or on long-haul flights. Smokers, overweight people and those with a genetic tendency to blood clots are also at increased risk. Anyone who suspects they have a thrombosis should see a doctor immediately.
Heart failure and water retention (edema)
If both ankles are swollen and there is no external injury or strain, heart failure may be the cause. This is when the heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. As a result, fluid builds up in the legs, causing swelling.
Other causes of fluid retention:
- Kidney disease: Reduced kidney function can disrupt the regulation of the water balance.
- Liver disease: Water is often retained in the tissue when the liver is damaged.
- Medication: Some blood pressure medication, cortisone preparations or hormonal medication can cause oedema.
- Obesity: a high percentage of body fat can impair blood circulation and cause water to be retained in the legs.
Additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid exhaustion or irregular heartbeat should be taken seriously and investigated by a doctor.
When to see a doctor?
A swollen ankle can be harmless, but it can also be a warning sign of a serious illness. It is advisable to see a doctor if:
- The swelling persists for several days or keeps coming back
- Additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or tachycardia are present
- The ankle swells for no apparent reason, especially if only one side is affected
- The ankle feels hot, is red or there is severe pain
Those who react quickly can minimize health risks and treat possible illnesses in time.
Sports-related causes: sprains, overuse, etc.
The swelling can occur on both the inside and outside. While swelling on the outside often indicates twisting of the ankle with a sprain or torn ligament, swelling on the inside can indicate overstraining or inflammation of the tendon structures.
Ankle joints are subject to heavy loads and prone to injury, especially in sports involving rapid movements, jumps or body contact.
Typical injuries to the ankle joint
- Sprain (distortion): One of the most common sports injuries. This occurs when the ligaments are overstretched, usually due to the foot suddenly twisting. The swelling often occurs immediately, accompanied by pain and restricted mobility.
- Torn ligaments: If the strain is too high, it can lead to a partial or complete rupture of an ankle ligament. This causes severe swelling, pain and instability in the joint.
- Tendon or muscle injuries: Tendons or muscles can also be affected by overuse or sudden movements. This often manifests itself in the form of persistent pain or tenderness.
- Fracture: In more severe cases, a swollen ankle can also indicate a bony injury. A fracture is often accompanied by severe pain, visible misalignment and inability to bear weight on the foot.
Once injured, the ankle joint often remains unstable. Those who return to training too soon after a sprain or torn ligament or who avoid targeted stabilization training risk re-injuring themselves. Without appropriate measures, this can lead to chronic complaints or persistent weakness of the joint in the long term.
Treatment options: How to get the swelling under control
A swollen ankle is not only uncomfortable, but can also restrict mobility and increase the risk of injury. The faster you react, the better you can relieve pain and support healing.
First aid: the RICE method
For acute sports injuries, the RICE rule helps to quickly get the swelling under control. The four steps – rest, ice, compression, and elevation – support the healing process in the early phase after the injury.
Find out how to apply the RICE method correctly and which mistakes to avoid in our detailed article on the subject.
Movement & physiotherapy
After the acute phase, it is important to gradually restore mobility to the ankle. Complete rest over a longer period of time can lead to a weakening of the surrounding muscles, which increases instability.
- Light movements without weight-bearing promote blood circulation and support the healing process.
- Targeted physiotherapy exercises help to rebuild the muscles and stabilize the joint.
- Coordination and balance exercises train neuromuscular control and prevent further injuries.
When to see a doctor?
Not every ankle injury will heal on its own. It is recommended to see a doctor if:
- Severe pain or bruising occurs
- The ankle is still swollen or unstable after a few days
- There is limited mobility or visible misalignment
- The swelling occurs without any apparent cause
In such cases, a medical examination by an orthopaedic specialist or imaging such as an X-ray or MRI scan may be necessary to determine the exact cause of the symptoms.
A swollen ankle should not be underestimated – with the right treatment, you can avoid long-term problems and get your ankle fit for sports again.
The best support for athletes: the innovative ankle brace from Betterguards
After a sprain or torn ligament, proper stabilization is crucial to prevent re-injury. However, conventional supports often restrict freedom of movement or do not provide optimal protection when it matters most. This is where the adaptive sports technology from Betterguards comes in.
Why The BetterGuard?
The ankle brace from Betterguards combines full freedom of movement with targeted stabilization, exactly when it is needed. The technology works like a seat belt for the ankle: while normal movements are possible without restriction, the system intervenes when there is critical strain and protects your joint from dangerous twisting.
✔ Dynamic stabilization: The support reacts in a flash and stabilizes the joint only when necessary.
✔ Maintains mobility: No restriction in the normal course of movement – your natural range of motion is maintained.
✔ Promotes regeneration: Supports the joint after injuries without passively weakening the muscles.
With The BetterGuard, you get a support that doesn't restrict you, but protects you dynamically – exactly when you need it. So you can concentrate fully on your game without fear of re-injury.
Conclusion & prevention tips for healthy ankles
An ankle swelling can have many causes – from overuse and injuries to serious illnesses. Athletes are particularly at risk due to high levels of stress and rapid changes in movement. However, the risk can be significantly reduced with targeted measures.
What you can do to prevent swelling and injuries:
- Wear suitable shoes: Make sure you have well-cushioned, stable shoes that provide your feet with sufficient support. Worn sports shoes should be replaced regularly.
- Warm up before exercising: dynamic exercises activate the muscles, improve blood circulation and prepare the joints for stress.
- Targeted training for the ankle joint: stabilizing exercises strengthen muscles and ligaments, improve balance and reduce the risk of sprains or torn ligaments.
- Used bandages as intelligent support: modern bandages like The BetterGuard stabilize the ankle without restricting freedom of movement. They only intervene during critical movements and thus offer targeted protection without passively weakening the muscles.
If you regularly struggle with swollen or painful ankles, it's worth asking yourself what might be causing it. Recurrent complaints can be a sign of insufficient stability or an injury that has not fully healed. In such cases, a medical examination or physiotherapy can be useful to avoid long-term problems.
With the right prevention, you can stay fit and protect your ankle – so you can fully concentrate on your sport.
