What causes ankle edema in stroke patients?

Generally, ankle edema in stroke patients may be caused by reduced physical activity, positional factors, lower limb venous thrombosis, cardiac insufficiency, kidney dysfunction, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Reduced Physical Activity

After a stroke, patients may have limited limb movement and decreased lower limb muscle contractions, which impair effective venous blood return, leading to blood accumulation and edema in the ankle area. With family assistance, passive exercises such as gentle ankle flexion and extension, and lower limb muscle massage can be performed. When the medical condition permits, patients can sit up or stand appropriately and walk slowly using walking aids.

2. Positional Factors

Remaining in a supine position or sitting for prolonged periods with the ankles in a dependent position can cause blood and tissue fluid accumulation in the ankles due to gravity, resulting in edema. When lying down, place a soft pillow under the ankles to elevate them above heart level. While sitting for long periods, change positions regularly and move the ankles every 30 minutes.

3. Lower Limb Venous Thrombosis

Following a stroke, the hypercoagulable state of blood combined with reduced mobility can easily lead to thrombus formation in the lower limb veins, impeding venous return and causing ankle edema, often accompanied by increased local skin temperature and pain. Anticoagulant medications such as rivaroxaban tablets, dabigatran etexilate capsules, and low molecular weight heparin sodium injection should be used under a physician's guidance.

4. Cardiac Insufficiency

A stroke may affect cardiac function. When cardiac insufficiency occurs, the heart's pumping ability declines, causing impaired blood return and resulting in ankle edema, possibly accompanied by dyspnea and fatigue. Cardiac function can be improved with medications such as digoxin tablets, furosemide tablets, and spironolactone tablets under a physician's guidance.

5. Renal Dysfunction

Following a stroke, systemic stress or exacerbation of pre-existing kidney disease can lead to renal dysfunction, causing sodium and water retention and resulting in ankle edema, possibly accompanied by decreased urine output and periorbital edema. Renal function can be managed with medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, valsartan capsules, and Baoling capsules under a physician's guidance.

In daily life, monitor changes in ankle edema, record the degree of edema and resolution status. Maintain a low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention. If the edema suddenly worsens or is accompanied by pain, seek immediate medical attention.