How Your Ankles Can Reveal Circulatory Problems
If you have poor circulation, then you may experience high blood pressure, leg pain, and limited mobility. Circulatory problems can be caused by longstanding or poorly managed diabetes, liver problems, renal disease, and cardiovascular problems. One of the first signs of circulatory problems that you notice may be abnormalities of your ankles and feet. Here are some ways your ankles may reveal poor circulation and why you should visit your foot doctor for further evaluation and treatment:
Edema
While many people experience ankle swelling, or edema, every once in a while, persistently swollen ankles that do not resolve may be signs of circulatory problems. Ankle swelling related to circulatory problems may also cause a disorder known as pitting edema.
This refers to when you apply gentle pressure to your ankle with your finger and an indentation appears that can last for seconds to minutes. This pitting appearance is the result of fluid retention in your tissues, and in addition to circulatory problems, pitting edema can be a sign of congestive heart failure or kidney problems. To determine whether your ankle swelling is the result of circulatory problems or simply the result of standing on your feet for too long, make an appointment with your podiatrist.
He or she will perform a comprehensive lower limb examination, and if problems with your circulation are suspected, you may be referred back to your family physician for further evaluation and treatment. The treatment for pitting edema of the ankles depends on the cause; however, diuretics, are often recommended. These medications, also known as "water pills," are effective in releasing retained fluid from the tissues; however, they cause frequent urination.
Statis Ulcers
Statis ulcers are sores or wounds that develop on your ankles or feet as a result of poor circulation or diabetes. These wounds need to be treated by your podiatrist or vascular specialist as soon as possible because they can quickly become infected.
Treatment for stasis ulcers may include cleansing the affected area with sterile water and then applying an antibacterial ointment to the wound, followed by the application of a sterile dressing. It is important that the dressing be changed every day; however, if the wound is bleeding or draining fluid, dressing changes need to be more frequent. Once the underlying reason for your stasis ulcers has been recognized and treated, you will be at a much lower risk for developing them in the future.
It is important to note that deep ulcers may not respond to conservative treatments such as sterile water cleanses and topical antibacterial ointments. Sometimes, oral antibiotics need to be taken, and in extreme cases, surgical intervention may be indicated.
To help promote healing, your foot doctor may recommend that you increase your dietary intake of protein and vitamin C because both of these nutrients play an important role in wound healing and optimal collagen formation.
If you are unable to increase your protein and vitamin C intake through dietary measures alone, consider taking over-the-counter supplements; however, get approval from your doctor before doing so to make sure that they will not interact with your prescription medications.
If you develop ankle swelling or stasis ulcers on your feet or ankles, make an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible. When circulation problems are recognized and treated early on, you will be less likely to experience deep tissue wounds and infections. In addition to seeing your foot doctor on a regular basis, stay in touch with your primary care physician, who will monitor your circulation status so that if problems develop with your cardiovascular system, they can be treated before complications such as congestive heart failure or organ damage develop.
For more information, get in touch with a clinic such as Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists.
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