What is causing redness in my ankles?

From the Guidelines

Redness in your ankles could be caused by several conditions, including cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, and you should see a healthcare provider promptly if it's accompanied by swelling, warmth, and pain. The most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that cellulitis is a common cause of redness in the lower legs, and it's often caused by streptococci. If you have diabetes, you may be at risk for more serious conditions like Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy, and you should seek medical attention immediately if you experience redness, warmth, and swelling in your feet or ankles 1. For mild cases, elevating your legs, applying cool compresses, and using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (0.5-1%) twice daily for up to a week may help reduce inflammation. Wearing loose cotton socks and comfortable shoes can prevent irritation. If you have itching, an oral antihistamine like cetirizine 10mg daily might help.

Some key points to consider:

• Cellulitis is a common cause of redness in the lower legs, and it's often caused by streptococci 1
• If you have diabetes, you may be at risk for more serious conditions like Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy, and you should seek medical attention immediately if you experience redness, warmth, and swelling in your feet or ankles 1
• Elevation of the affected area, an important and often neglected aspect of treatment, quickens improvement by promoting gravity drainage of the edema and inflammatory substances 1
• Patients who are slow to respond may have a deeper infection or underlying conditions, such as diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency, or lymphedema 1
• In some patients, cutaneous inflammation sometimes worsens after initiating therapy, probably because the sudden destruction of pathogens releases potent enzymes that increase local inflammation 1

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or worsening redness, especially with fever or increasing pain, as it could indicate a more serious condition requiring antibiotics or other treatments.

From the Research

Possible Causes of Redness in Ankles

• Redness in the ankles can be caused by various factors, including injuries, infections, and chronic conditions 2, 3, 4.
• Ankle sprains, which are common injuries, can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area 2.
• Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can also cause redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, including the ankles 5.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition, can cause inflammation and redness in the ankle joints, even in asymptomatic patients 6.

Symptoms and Evaluation

• Symptoms of ankle injuries or conditions can include pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and laxity, and can be evaluated through a thorough history and physical examination 2, 3, 4.
• Diagnostic procedures, such as radiographic evaluation, may be necessary to determine the cause of redness in the ankles 4.
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) can be used to evaluate ankle joints and detect pathologies, such as arthritis and tenosynovitis 6.

Treatment and Management

• Treatment and management of ankle injuries or conditions depend on the underlying cause and can include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as physical therapy and medication 2, 3.
• Antibiotics may be necessary to treat bacterial infections, such as cellulitis 5.
• Management of chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications 6.