Swollen ankles as an indication of heart failure
Healthy people in whom ankle edema occurs unexpectedly and only for a short time rarely suffer from heart failure – usually there is another cause. For people with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, a past heart attack or so-called “coronary heart disease”, in which coronary vessels are narrowed, swelling of the ankles can be the first indication of heart failure.Since the diseases mentioned are often present without those affected being aware of them, people with occasional chest pain, shortness of breath or heart stumbling are advised to seek medical clarification of the symptoms. Ankle swellings occur especially when the right part of the heart is damaged.
Since chronic lung diseases can lead to right heart failure, people with COPD, asthma or similar diseases should also consult a physician when swollen ankles occur. In heart failure, swollen ankles usually do not occur in isolation, but are accompanied by symptoms such as occasional shortness of breath, heart stumbling, urinating at night, palpitations, a general reduction in performance or a feeling of weakness. They usually last for several weeks or recur repeatedly over the course of months.
Duration of ankle swelling
How long swollen ankles remain thick depends mainly on the cause. A venous congestion syndrome usually cannot be corrected causally – that’s why swollen ankles can reoccur for the rest of one’s life, depending on the treatment and its consistent adherence. The situation is similar with heart failure. Ankle swelling after infections such as a respiratory or urinary tract infection, on the other hand, usually lasts only a few days or weeks. If the ankles swell in the course of an allergic reaction, they usually disappear even faster.
Unilateral or bilateral swelling of the ankles
If oedema and thickening are only visible on one leg, this is often caused by a disorder of the veins or lymphatic vessels. In the case of diseases of these 2 systems, in addition to the ankles, the foot, the lower leg or the whole leg can also be affected. It is not important whether the right or left leg is swollen – both sides are equally affected.
A typical disease of the veins is chronic venous insufficiency in the case of long-standing swelling, while sudden swelling is more likely to be caused by leg vein thrombosis. Furthermore, varicose veins can be the cause of ankle edema. Disorders of the lymphatic vessels are usually preceded by diseases such as tumors, injuries, leg infections, surgery or radiation.
If such an illness only affects the left or right leg, the swelling usually occurs only on the respective side. Swelling at the ankles, which feel like normal fatty tissue, can be congenital and caused by a disturbed fat distribution. Especially in women, such fat distribution patterns known as “lipedema” occur.
As a rule, they do not have a negative effect on health. If, in addition to the swelling, a reddening of the ankle is visible, an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue must be urgently ruled out. Such a skin infection – known as erysipelas in technical terms – can spread quickly and, if left untreated, lead to blood poisoning. The editorial staff also recommends:
- Unilateral swollen ankle
- Thrombosis in the leg
