
What Causes Painful Ankle With History Of Edema?

Question: My right ankle has been hurting and I have edema up my ankle for about 10 months. I have had it checked, I do not have anything wrong with my heart. But we cannot figure out the swelling or pain
Brief Answer:
Looks to be osteoarthritis or Gout
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. To help you better please tell me - Do you have redness, warm to touch at ankle along with swelling?
At your age two possibilities comes to me-osteoarthritis and gout.To rule out them I would like to see the x-ray picture along with serum uric acid level.If possible you may send/upload the picture in your reply.
Hope this helps.
Take care
Looks to be osteoarthritis or Gout
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. To help you better please tell me - Do you have redness, warm to touch at ankle along with swelling?
At your age two possibilities comes to me-osteoarthritis and gout.To rule out them I would like to see the x-ray picture along with serum uric acid level.If possible you may send/upload the picture in your reply.
Hope this helps.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


There is no redness or warm to touch. I went to a reflexologist and she suggested that I lay with my legs elevated up (more then just propped up on pillows) for about 30 minutes. Like laying on the floor with your legs up the wall. That seems to have helped the Edema a lot but the pain in my ankle seems to be getting worse.
Brief Answer:
Osteoarthritis of ankle
Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you.
After going through your reply, my suggestions for you are-
1. Get ankle x-ray done, if not done. To look for sign of arthritis.
2. The cause of swelling needs to find out by blood test like-serum proteins level, serum creatinine, blood urea, Thyroid hormone and by physical examination to rule out varicose veins.
Meanwhile you may wear pressure garment (elastic stockings) while sitting, standing or walking. The best position to put them on is when the swelling has gone that is in lying down/supine position and asks someone to help you. To reduce pain you may do hot water fomentation and take Ibuprofen.
Hope this helps.
Take care
Osteoarthritis of ankle
Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you.
After going through your reply, my suggestions for you are-
1. Get ankle x-ray done, if not done. To look for sign of arthritis.
2. The cause of swelling needs to find out by blood test like-serum proteins level, serum creatinine, blood urea, Thyroid hormone and by physical examination to rule out varicose veins.
Meanwhile you may wear pressure garment (elastic stockings) while sitting, standing or walking. The best position to put them on is when the swelling has gone that is in lying down/supine position and asks someone to help you. To reduce pain you may do hot water fomentation and take Ibuprofen.
Hope this helps.
Take care
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by

Dr. Mukesh Chugh
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1997
Answered : 1619 Questions
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