Can a Sprained Ankle Cause Blood Clots

You’ve twisted your ankle and now it's swollen, bruised and painful. That’s frustrating on its own, but now you might be wondering if something more serious could come from it. Can a sprained ankle cause a blood clot? It’s not the first thing most people think of when they roll their ankle, but it’s a valid concern, especially if the swelling lingers or your mobility is limited.

Can a Sprained Ankle Cause Blood Clots?

While it is not extremely common, the answer is yes. The risk isn’t from the sprain itself, but rather what happens after that sort of trauma occurs. When you injure your ankle, you’re more likely to reduce movement in the leg because you might be limping, using crutches, or keeping your foot elevated. This lack of motion can slow down the circulation in your veins, particularly the deep veins in the leg. That can cause a type of blood clot called the deep vein thrombosis, or DVT to occur. 

The body is wired to keep blood flowing steadily, especially in the lower limbs. But when movement is restricted for long periods, blood can pool and thicken in certain spots. Combine that with the inflammation that comes with a sprain, and it creates a situation where clotting is more likely. That’s why doctors sometimes warn about the risks of blood clots even with non-surgical injuries.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Most ankle sprains cause swelling and tenderness which is normal and expected, but it’s important to be able to tell when something feels different. If you notice swelling that seems to move up the leg instead of staying near the ankle, pain in the calf that feels deeper or sharper than usual, or even a sense of warmth and redness in the area, it could be a sign of a developing clot. Other more urgent red flags are shortness of breath or chest pain which signal that a clot may have travelled to the lungs, and you should seek emergency care immediately. 

It’s important to note that even healthy individuals can develop blood clots though at a lower chance. People who may be at a higher risk are individuals who are inactive for long periods of time after an injury, take hormonal birth control, smoke, or have a history of clotting disorders. It doesn’t take a major injury to trigger complications if other risk factors are already in play. 

How to Lower the Risk of Clotting

One of the best things you can do after an ankle sprain is keep moving, even if it's minimal and gentle. If walking is too painful, try flexing and pointing your toes or lightly moving your food up and down while sitting. Compression socks and elevating the leg can help reduce swelling and staying hydrated helps with healthy circulation. If you’re at a higher risk or unsure, talk to a doctor about whether additional preventative steps, like blood thinners, are necessary. 

Final Thoughts

So, can an ankle sprain cause a blood clot? Potentially it can, especially if the injury leads to extended immobility and you have other risk factors. Most people recover from ankle sprains without complications, but it’s good to be informed. Watch out for symptoms, stay as active as you can be, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if anything feels off.