Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a unilateral swollen ankle includes the patient’s medical history, i.e. the doctor-patient consultation, and the clinical examination of the ankle. This allows further symptoms to be recorded and possible causes to be identified.The time of occurrence and the development of the swelling may give further indications. Depending on the suspicion or cause, further examinations may be important. These include, for example, an examination of the blood, an ultrasound of the surrounding vessels or an X-ray.
Course of disease
The course of the disease of a unilateral swollen ankle depends on the cause. Often the cause is not serious, for example an insect bite or a mild sprain. Accordingly, it only takes a few hours for the swelling to subside without leaving any further consequences. However, if the swelling on the ankle persists for several days or even increases, this may indicate a more complex cause. Accordingly, swelling on the ankle caused by vascular disease is usually associated with a longer course of the disease.
Duration and prognosis
The duration of a unilateral swollen ankle also depends on the underlying cause. For example, if it is a sting or a mild inflammation, the swelling usually disappears completely after a few hours. In the case of vascular diseases or more complex inflammations, the swelling usually persists for a longer period of time or occurs depending on the time of day.
However, preventive measures such as sufficient exercise or compression stockings can be taken. The prognosis is usually good if the causative disease is detected and treated in time.
