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How to deal with swelling in left foot region near ankle?
Orthopedic Disorders
Question #9178
57 days ago
4,170

How to deal with swelling in left foot region near ankle? - #9178

avijeet sengupta

There is a swelling around ankle, pain is there, taken painkiller, the symptoms persist since two months, consulted doctor, but he prescribed a antibiotic and pain killer. Although the pain is not every time but due to standing for a long time it increases. Kindly suggest remedies.

Age: 55
Chronic illnesses: No
100 INR (~1.18 USD)
Question is closed

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Doctors’ responses

Dear Avijeet Sengupta, I understand that dealing with persistent swelling and pain around your ankle for the past two months must be frustrating, especially when standing for long hours. Since the antibiotics and painkillers haven’t fully resolved it, we need to look deeper into what’s causing it. Given your symptoms, this could be due to circulation issues (chronic venous insufficiency), joint problems (arthritis or gout), or even lymphatic drainage issues. Since the swelling is only on one side, we also need to rule out any vascular concerns like deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a Doppler ultrasound can help check for this. What You Can Do Right Now: ✔ Rest & Elevate – Whenever possible, keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling. ✔ Cold Compress – Apply for 10-15 minutes to soothe inflammation. ✔ Wear Compression Socks – They improve circulation and reduce swelling. ✔ Limit Salt Intake – Too much salt can cause fluid retention. ✔ Take Movement Breaks – Avoid standing in one position for too long. Medical Next Steps: • If swelling persists or worsens, a Doppler ultrasound should be done. • If arthritis or gout is suspected, a joint X-ray and uric acid test might help. • If fluid retention is high, a doctor may consider diuretics (only if necessary). Since the pain isn’t constant, it’s a good sign that this can be managed effectively with the right approach. I’d suggest monitoring it for a few more weeks with these remedies, and if there’s no improvement, seeking a second opinion from a vascular specialist or orthopedic doctor. Take care, and wishing you a smooth recovery!
Accepted response

3 replies
avijeet sengupta
Client
56 days ago
thanks for detailed diagnosis, definitely i will follow the advisory, can I take some medication as sos, in case of severe pain, kindly guide, thanks a lot again.
It sounds like the swelling and pain around the ankle could be due to chronic inflammation, a mild sprain, or venous insufficiency, especially since it worsens with prolonged standing. Since it has been persisting for two months despite antibiotics and painkillers, it may be worth exploring other causes and treatment options. Possible Causes 1. Venous Insufficiency: Common in people who stand for long hours, it causes blood pooling in the lower legs, leading to swelling and discomfort. 2. Tendonitis or Ligament Strain: Repeated stress from standing can cause inflammation in the ankle tendons or ligaments. 3. Arthritis: Mild osteoarthritis can cause intermittent ankle pain and swelling, especially with age. 4. Lymphedema or Edema: Fluid retention due to reduced lymphatic drainage can cause swelling. Remedies and Care Tips 1. Rest and Elevation: Rest the ankle whenever possible. Elevate the leg above heart level while sitting or lying down to reduce swelling. 2. Cold and Warm Compress: Apply a cold pack for 15-20 minutes if the area is inflamed. Use a warm compress after a few days if stiffness persists. 3. Compression and Support: Wear compression stockings to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling. Use an ankle brace for added support if walking is painful. 4. Foot Exercises: Perform ankle circles and calf stretches to promote circulation. Gentle walking or swimming can also help. 5. Anti-inflammatory Medications: Continue with painkillers as needed, but avoid overuse. Ask your doctor about NSAID gels or creams for localized relief. When to Seek Further Medical Help If the swelling and pain persist despite these measures, you should: Request an X-ray or MRI to rule out ligament or bone issues. Get a Doppler ultrasound to check for venous insufficiency or blood clots. Consult an orthopedic specialist or vascular surgeon if the symptoms persist or worsen.

2 replies
avijeet sengupta
Client
56 days ago
Thank you doctor for your detailed and specific advice, definitely it will be helpful for me.
Hello Avijeet ji, As you have swelling which has persistent for more than 2 month and hasn't reduced so I would advice you the following 1 Get a MRI ankle done to check any soft tissue injury 2 Meanwhile I would recommend u ibuprofen 200 mg twice daily post meal and pantop tab 40mg once in morning 3 use compression bandage but not to tight 4 can dip ur ankle in luke warm water with salt to reduce swelling 5 do hot compression 6 take physiotherapy

2 replies
avijeet sengupta
Client
56 days ago
Thank you sir for your timely suggestion, definitely i will follow.

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