Rheumatoid arthritis and ankle swelling: what to know

Rheumatoid arthritis inflames the lining of a joint, which can produce swelling, warmth, pain, and stiffness around the ankle. Swelling may make shoes feel tight and walking uncomfortable. A swollen ankle can also follow an injury, infection, gout, a circulation problem, or fluid retention, so the appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Note whether one or both ankles are affected, whether the skin is hot or red, and whether symptoms are worse after rest or activity. Compare the ankle with other symptoms such as [Joint Swelling](/symptoms/joint-swelling/) and read about [Rheumatoid Arthritis](/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/).

Rest from impact activities, elevate the leg when comfortable, and use supportive footwear. Gentle ankle movement within comfort may reduce stiffness, but avoid forcing painful motion. Do not massage a hot, red, or suddenly swollen area until a clinician has advised you. Keep a list of medicines and note any recent injury, travel, infection, or change in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Seek urgent care for sudden one-sided swelling with calf pain, chest pain, or breathlessness; a hot red ankle with fever; or inability to bear weight after an injury. Contact your rheumatology or primary-care team soon when swelling persists, returns, or is accompanied by increasing [Joint Stiffness](/symptoms/joint-stiffness/) or [Morning Joint Stiffness](/symptoms/morning-joint-stiffness/).

Does the swelling appear to be inside the ankle joint or around it? Do I need tests to exclude infection, injury, or a circulation problem? Should I change activity or treatment? Is [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/) appropriate for me?