Suggest Treatment For Swelling On The Ankles

Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 Answered on

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Rt. ankle swelling interior. Black and blue near heel. Minor abrasion upper ankle. Not sure of precipitant. Realized this 5-7 days ago. No problem walking.

The precipitant was most likely banging ankle .

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

Banging ankle may be a precipitating factor and this may lead to an infection called foot erysipelas. If this is your case than you should do as follows:
- Apply ice bags
- Keep your toe nails cut and short
- Apply aseptic solution over your toe
- Avoid standing up position more then a couple of minutes
- Raise your feet during night (Placing two pillows under your feet while sleeping)
- Use antibiotics.

If these measures will not help than other exams are needed to exclude other problems which may precipitate your symptoms. In this case I would recommend to do:
- Blood work (to evaluate renal and liver function)
- Doppler evaluation of both legs
- Foot x ray evaluation
- Cardiac echo

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
DR. SHehu

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar