Swollen Ankle Joint
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
A swollen ankle joint may be caused by conditions such as arthritis or gout, or by an injury. You may have other symptoms such as pain and trouble moving or putting weight on your ankle.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You cannot move your ankle at all.
- You have severe pain that does not get better with pain medicine.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have redness or warmth over your ankle.
- The swelling does not go down with treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
Treatment depends on the cause of your swollen ankle joint. Your healthcare provider may recommend any of the following:
- Rest your ankle. Avoid activities that make the swelling or pain worse. You may need to avoid putting weight on your ankle while you have pain. Crutches or a walker can be used to avoid putting weight on your ankle.
- Apply ice on your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Compress your ankle with a brace or bandage to help reduce swelling. Use a brace or bandage only as directed.
- Elevate your ankle above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your joint on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Apply heat on your ankle for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Heat helps decrease pain.
Physical therapy:
A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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