Ankle Compression Sleeves isolate compression on your ankle. There are numerous reasons as so why you may need isolated compression on your ankle. The Main reasons are for stability, increased blood flow, injury recovery and to reduce swelling. You may just need them for one reason or for all of them.
Read More: What are Compression Sleeves?
As always, when looking for a compression sleeve for a medical reason, please consult your physician or physical therapist for recommendations based on your unique medical conditions.
Benefits of Ankle Compression Sleeves
The most common reason people use ankle compression sleeves are for swollen ankles, mostly due to an injury or edema. The term edema means swelling of excess fluid that accumulates in the lower extremities. This type of swelling is most common in the lower leg, ankles and feet. Ankle compression sleeves isolate compression over the ankle. If you have generalized swelling in your legs you may want to use compression socks or thigh high compression sleeves that provide more gradual compression across your legs.
Read More: Best Compression Socks for Edema and Leg Swelling
Ankle Swelling
The ankles and legs are common sites of swelling because of gravity’s effect on the fluids in the human body. However, fluid retention from gravity isn’t the only cause of a swollen ankle or leg. Injuries and subsequent inflammation can also cause fluid retention and swelling.
A swollen ankle or leg can cause the lower part of the leg to appear larger than normal. The swelling can make it difficult to walk. It may be painful, with the skin over your leg feeling tight and stretched out. While the condition isn’t always a reason for concern, knowing its cause can help rule out a more serious problem.
If you stand a large part of the day, you may develop a swollen ankle or leg. Older age can also make swelling more likely. A long flight or car ride may cause a swollen angle, leg, or foot too.
More: Best Ankle Compression Sleeves in 2020
Causes of Swollen Ankles:
Foot or ankle injury
A foot or ankle injury may result in inflammation in the area and cause your ankle and foot to get swollen. A ankle sprain is one of the most common foot injuries.
Swelling in the ankle and leg could be the result of inflammation due to acute or chronic injury. Conditions that can cause this type of inflammation include:
- ankle sprain
- osteoarthritis
- gout
- broken leg
- Achilles tendon rupture
- ACL tear
The Mayo Clinic recommend the following home treatment for a sprained ankle:
- Rest – avoid activities that cause discomfort and/ or pain
- Ice – applying ice in a thin piece of cloth for no more than 20 minutes
- Compression – To help reduce swelling, apply compression bandage or wrap
- Elevation – Raise the injured foot above the level of your heart. Gravity helps to drain excess fluid.
- Splinting (optional) – Use a ankle brace if necessary to further restrict motion
This is also know as the (R.I.C.E.(S.)) protocol.
Cellulitis
Medication side effect
- Steroids
- Calcium channel blockers: nifedipine (Adalat CC, Afeditab CR, Procardia), amlodipine (Norvasc), and verapamil (Verelan)
- Hormone medications, such as birth control pills, estrogen, or testosterone
- Birth Control
- Anti-depressants: including phenelzine (Nardil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and amitriptyline
If you suspect swelling may be related to a drug you are taking, speak to your doctor. Although the benefits of the drug may be worth enduring some swelling, more severe swelling could make it necessary to change the medication or its dosage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.
An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues.
Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is what can damage other parts of the body as well. While new types of medications have improved treatment options dramatically, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still cause physical disabilities.
Chronic venous Insufficiency
- Elevating legs to help blood flow back to the heart.
- Wear compression socks or compression sleeves
- Take medications to aid in blood flow such as Aspirin
- Using heat to close the affected vein (radiofrequency ablation)
Blood clots
People who experience a DVT should consider:
- elevating the affected limb above the heart
- wearing compression stockings to promote blood flow
- taking blood thinning medications or anticoagulant medications such as aspirin
- May require a stenting procedure where a surgeion inserts a tube into the vein to keep it open.
Pregnancy
Swollen ankles are very common during pregnancy. This is because the body produces more blood and bodily fluids to support the developing fetus. Swelling often occurs in the third trimester and can affect the hands, face, legs, feet and ankles.
This type of swelling is normal and most often harmless. Often occurring because of the significant change in hormone levels. If there is sudden (acute) swelling of the hands and or face it could be a sign of a potentially life-threatening condition called preeclampsia (see below) which requires immediate medical attention.
There are many ways to relieve mild swelling during pregnancy. Many are home remedies such as:
- reducing sodium intake
- eating foods that are high in potassium (bananas)
- avoid caffeine
- wear comfortable shoes
- avoid standing for long periods of time
- elevate feet when resting
- wear compression socks, stockings or ankle sleeves
- apply a cold compress
- limit time outside in hot weather
- wear loose-fiiting clothes
Preeclampsia
This medical condition requires urgent medical care.
treatment is often involves delivery of the baby and medication. (compression sleeves are not recommended)
Lymphedema
- Gentle massage from a therapist trained in treating lymphedema
- increasing heart rate through exercise
- Wearing compression garments and wraps
Read More: Best Compression Socks for Edema and Leg Swelling
Heart failure
In congestive and right-sided heart failure, there is a decrease in blood circulation flowing out of the heart and to the rest of the body. This causes blood to back up into the veins and may cause buildup of excess fluid in tissues. Most often occurring in the legs and ankles.
Edema, or swelling in relation to heart failure also occurs as a result of the kidneys being affected. Kidneys help to remove water and salt from the body. When this process is impeded it increased the possibility of swelling.
While there is no cure for heart failure, treatment options are readily available. A physician my prescribe diuretic medications and suggest reducing fluid intake. Compression sleeves may also help to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Chronic kidney disease
To help maintain kidney function longer, several lifestyle factors can be followed:
- controlling blood sugar levels
- limiting alcohol
- No smoking
- 30 minutes of exercise at least every day
- maintaining a healthy blood pressure
- maintaining a healthy weight
- reducing salt and fat intake
Liver disease
- avoiding alcohol
- limiting salt intake
- eating a healthy diet
- exercising regularly
Stability & Support
Another reason to wear ankle compression sleeves is for stability and support. One of the most common ailments is Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia).
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.
Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners. People who are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate support also have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis.
An ankle sleeve or brace can help to support your arch and therefore relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up after sitting. The pain is usually worse after exercise, not during it.
Causes
Your plantar fascia is in the shape of a bowstring, supporting the arch of your foot and absorbing shock when you walk. If tension and stress on this bowstring become too great, small tears can occur in the fascia. Repeated stretching and tearing can irritate or inflame the fascia, although the cause remains unclear in many cases of plantar fasciitis.
Risk factors
Even though plantar fasciitis can develop without an obvious cause, some factors can increase your risk of developing this condition. They include:
- Age. Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long-distance running, ballet dancing and aerobic dance — can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis.
- Foot mechanics. Flat feet, a high arch or even an abnormal pattern of walking can affect the way weight is distributed when you’re standing and can put added stress on the plantar fascia.
- Obesity. Excess pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
- Occupations that keep you on your feet. Factory workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can damage the plantar fascia.
Complications
Ignoring plantar fasciitis may result in chronic heel pain that hinders your regular activities. Changing the way you walk as a way to relieve plantar fasciitis pain might lead to foot, knee, hip or back problems.
Medical Treatment
If you seek medical attention, your physician will likely determine what’s causing your symptoms. Testing may include:
- blood tests
- an X-ray
- an electrocardiogram
- urinalysis
Medical Condition Management
If you have a medical condition that can lead to swelling, take your medications and manage your symptoms carefully. People with congestive heart failure or kidney disease may need to limit the amount of fluid they take in each day.
Exercise precautions
While you can’t always prevent injuries during physical activity, warming up first can help. This includes a walk or light jog before engaging in vigorous physical activity.
Choose supportive footwear. Proper shoes can help correct any gait issues and prevent injuries. You should choose shoes that match your activity or your specific needs. If you jog or run, get fitted by a professional for the correct shoe.
You should check with your doctor before using compression socks for your swelling. These special socks should be properly fitted for you and your needs. Also, be sure to wear them during the day and remove them before you go to bed.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why you may need ankle compression sleeves as you can see above. As always, consult your physician as to the best course of treatment for your unique medical condition.
Ankle compression sleeves help provide increased stability, improved blood flow, reduced swelling and pain management for numberous ailments. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best ankle compression sleeve for your needs. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly or comment below.
Read More: Best Ankle Compression Sleeves in 2020
Resources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324324.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-ankle-and-leg
https://www.webmd.com/g00/a-to-z-guides/swollen-ankles-and-feet?i10c.ua=1&i10c.encReferrer=&i10c.dv=21#1
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