Question: Why would my left leg swell but not my right?
Ankle swelling may be associated with a host of conditions. The conditions can be largely classified into localized conditions and systemic conditions. Here are a few probable causes of swelling in the feet.
What Causes Left Ankle Swelling?
Localized Causes Left Ankle Swelling
Here are some common local causes for ankle swelling.
- Injury, trauma or a hairline fracture can result in swelling of the leg. Invariably, this cause is associated with localized pain along with the swelling. Injury to the Achilles tendon or carpel tunnel syndrome can also result in swelling and pain at the ankle joint. These conditions are often associated with limited mobility.
- A simple X-ray of the leg can identify the location of the injury or fracture or tendon tear.
- Osteoarthritis of the knee or the heel is another common cause. This condition is associated with excruciating pain and inflammation. Gout can also result in swelling of the ankle joint.
- Localized skin infections like athlete foot or urticaria can also be a cause of localized swelling. These conditions are often associated with profound itching and burning.
- Inappropriate foot wear can also be a confounding factor. Ensure that your foot wear is not too tight or causing unease.
- A varicose vein is another condition which can result in localized swelling at the ankle joint.
- In diabetic patients, any form of injury to the ankle joint may increase the risk of swelling and ulceration at the site.
Systemic Causes Of Swelling In Left Ankle
In addition to localized conditions, there are some systemic factors that can result in swelling of the ankle joints. In most of the systemic condition, the swelling is observed in both the ankle joints.
- Cardiac disease is one of the commonest causes of swelling in the feet. It is possible that limited mobility of the left feet may manifest in the form of excessive swelling. The most common cardiac condition associated with swelling of the ankle joint is congestive cardiac failure. It is very vital that an individual gets himself thoroughly evaluated for the condition.
- Hypertension can also increase the risk of swelling in the ankle joints. Often hypertension is associated with kidney disorders, which result in retention of water in the body, resulting in swelling at the ankle joint.
- Peripheral vascular disease is another systemic cause responsible for swelling at the ankle joint
- Nutritional deficiencies are also occasionally linked with edema at the ankle joint. Malnutrition often results in excessive accumulation of fluids in the body, which in turn result in swelling at the ankle joint
- Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies can also cause edema at the ankle joint. Iron deficiency anemia is known to result in edema at the ankle joint. Similar deficiency of Vitamin B12 is also associated with localized swelling at the ankle joint.