I came here looking for the answer to that same question! My right ankle has been swollen for a week. The left one gets a little swollen occasionally. I've had COPD for seven years...now in severe stage. I'd appreciate anyone's comments or suggestions. Thanks.
Bonnie

Look up "edema" online.

Here is on article, that covers all possible causes.
http://www.healthline.com/symptom/swollen-ankle

And unless both of you can come up with some physical reason why only one leg is affected? - I suggest you call your doctor first chance you get. The "possibilities" for something serious is more likely when only one limb is affected than with two.

One of the problems with COPD is that the basic symptoms are common everyday annoyances (benign) - cough, shortness of breath, etc. - the only difference for us is the frequency and scale. People get edema all the time; sitting too long, a slight sprain, electrolytes out of balance, and can generally wait it out. We unfortunately don't have that option - Call your doctor.

If you start to get dizzy, confused, feel pain, or the swelling gets worse - seek immediate attention.

I have to agree with Gnott here...its very possibly Edema...

Here's another link..
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/edema-overview

Yes - swolllen ankles/feet. No. 1, I reported this to my Dr. and he had me tested to check causes. The test confirmed that there were no issues that would lead to more serious problems e.g. blood clot. No.2, I purchased graduated support hose which were a suggested remedy from this group. The downside was finding the correct size. With swollen ankles/legs I needed one size (swelling should be less in the a.m.) and once the swelling went down I needed another size. I now wear the knee length graduated support hose daily - no swellling.

I don't normally have swelling, so it is one of my signs to get right in to the Dr.
Usually it is because my electrolytes are off & my heart is being overworked trying to get that 02 to my body.

Gnott; what a great link! Thank you for the info. It sounds like one sided swelling is not something that should be ignored.

Here's a link to mayo clinic page that you can check the boxes & it will tell you what might be the cause of edema.
kind of fun & interesting to try.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptom-checker/foot-swelling-or-leg-swelling-adult/related-factors/itt-20009075

Thank all for the information, I will be checking with my Dr. if the problem continues. Its so nice having people who are so knowledgeable and compassionate to help with all these questions and fear we have with this awful COPD.
Thank you
Annie

Leg, ankle and foot edema related to CHF congestive heart failure or liver disease can be treated with a diuretic water pill like furosemide (Lasix). Dandelion root extract is also highly diuretic in nature, so it helps eliminate deposits of toxic substances in the kidneys and the urinary tract. The disinfectant properties of dandelion root extract also inhibit microbial growth in the urinary system. It is also an effective way of lowering blood pressure.

If your toes show that your blood flow is good (not blue) then it could be something that is just an anomaly. COPD and Heart Disease will cause the legs , ankles and feet to swell and for this you should touch base with your doctor .

Other causes could be injury, too much weight or something that happened to me about two years ago. I was given Levaquin as the antibiotic with a round of Prednisone. I had taken it once before without complications. I took as prescribed for 10 days and on the 12 morning I woke up and attempted to stand and both ankles were so swollen the I could not put weight on them.

My first thought of course was the heart. I researched online as to what complications could be causing the swelling and I found that it was a classic case of a reaction to the levaquin. You take it for 10 days and on the 12th day the swelling is there.Just like clockwork.

I called the doctor and they wanted to give me a drug to reduce the swelling but the nurse said that I would have to continue the drug even after the swelling went away.

I used ace bandages, elevation and ice bags and the swelling went down within a few days. The catch 22 is this is that the swelling can reoccur spontaneously for no reason. And it did about a year later. Used the same treatment and got the same results. Pain and swelling gone.

The reason for this lengthy description is because I read here that many have taken Levaquin and this is something that could happen to you and please don't let anyone talk you into even more drugs if it is just the result of the drug already taken.

Levaquin is in the Flurorquinlones group of drugs and is routinely used for respiratory therapy. It is a good drug but should you experience the difficulties that I have described, you might as your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic from another group of drugs.

I noticed my fathers ankles were swollen but though nothing of it, but a while later it turns out it was something. Please call your doctor for a checkup as soon as possible. He has diabetes too so I thought it was that but it was his lungs had a little bit of fluid. He is better now, but not something to ignore. Hope you feel better soon! Hugs.

Tingling not sure, are you diabetic? My dad has neuropathy from diabetes as well...and that causes tingling. Either way though I would ask the doc.