Those swollen tender joints between the calves and the feet may have you considering ankle surgery, especially if the inflammation or tightness has been lagging for some time or has suddenly appeared. However, there are any number of reasons for swelling in the ankles that should be considered before delving too intently on considering surgical options.
Circulation Problems
While it’s more common to suffer from swelling due to circulation issues later in the day, swelling can occur at night in certain sleeping positions. Often, this indicates blood veins that aren’t fully functioning, which can cause fluid to leak into the feet and ankles that source swelling. Keeping feet elevated while sleeping and throughout the day can alleviate physical symptoms in many cases. You may also use ankle supports such as ankle bandages, ankle braces, and liquid insoles. These are used to offer support and pain relief for torn ligaments and muscles and in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis May Require Ankle Surgery
This foot condition causes severe pain in the heel and along the base of the foot when walking which can result in an uneven gait. This inflammation of the foot’s fibrous tissue may indeed require surgical intervention or other forms of therapy. A foot specialists should be consulted as soon as symptoms of plantar fasciitis ensue to see if ankle surgery can help.
Plantar Warts
These are much like hard grains of rice embedded in the foot and is a form of wart that is contagious and needs treatment in and of itself. Of course, avoiding putting pressure on these hard knots puts strain on the ankles and can result in swelling in the ankle of the affected foot. Treating the warts should help relieve other side effects.
Nerve Damage
If pain directly in and around the ankle accompanies the swelling, you might have a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. This most often presents itself in individuals with poorly managed diabetes. If you have nerve damage, the pain will often be worse at night and a medical professional should be consulted including a foot and ankle specialist.
Prolonged ankle swelling may or may not require ankle surgery or specialized treatments, so consult your medical provider to discuss a diagnosis and potential options for relief.