swollen left ankle

Was diagnosis with Meniere's disease 1 yr ago.  Lost hearing 2yrs ago in left ear, due to a viral infection took a steriods for a while.  A year later left ankle swollen, seen several doctors, foot doctor, podiatrist, orthepedic doctor and ankle specialist.  Had physical therapy on ankle still swollen,  Swelling is mostly on the ouside of the ankle swelling on side.  Going on 2 years swelling has not gone down it just  gets as large as a golf ball and go down to the size of a tennis ball.  

[riley768]

I am flat footed, and on my feet 10-12 hrs 5 days a week, doing construction work. My inside left ankle is larger than normal.
What could it be?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Common causes of ankle swelling include:
•Traumatic Injury such as an ankle sprain or a broken ankle. Stress fractures can occur around the ankle joint leading to swelling.
•Gout is due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals within the fluid of your ankle.
•Ankle arthritis is much less common than degenerative changes in other joints. Ankle arthritis is most common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or in patients with a previous injury to the ankle joint.
•Infection is an unusual cause of ankle swelling. Infections can either occur in the soft tissues around the ankle joint (cellulitis) or in the joint itself (septic joint).
•Numerous problems with blood flow can impair normal circulation and lead to swelling around the ankles. The most common cause of vascular obstruction is a blood clot, also known as a DVT.
Peripheral edema is also a circulation problem, but is seen in both legs, not just one. These conditions include pregnancy, obesity, and varicose veins.

Edema can be caused by a serious condition of the kidney, heart, liver or blood vessels, but many other factors can contribute to its onset, including: Eating a poor diet high in salt and carbohydrates , Abusing laxatives, Abusing diuretics, Abusing drugs, Taking birth control or hormone replacement therapy pills, Pregnancy and PMS, Sodium retention, Varicose veins and history of phlebitis, Allergic reactions, Neuromuscular disorders, Trauma.

The hallmark of treatment is to reduce foot, leg and ankle swelling, and the first line of defense: leg elevation. Other aids include: Leg wedges to elevate the feet while sleeping, support socks and stocking, proper fitting shoes and socks.

Techniques to help decrease swelling: Increase muscle activity with walking, Avoid standing in place for long periods of time, Avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
Limit salt intake, do not abuse diuretics, but a short-term course may be helpful,
do not abuse laxatives, Drink plenty of water, Avoid contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy if possible, Use a compressions pump to help fluid return to the blood vessels.

If the edema persists or continues to worsen, please consult your physician.

You could read more about the condition at the following link -
http://www.footsmart.com/HealthCondition.aspx?ailmentId=94

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.