Swollen Ankles? Here Are The Most Common Reasons Behind It

Swollen ankles occur when excess fluid builds up in the tissues of the lower legs and feet. This swelling can be a sign of various underlying conditions, such as heart failure, kidney or liver disease, venous insufficiency, or simply the result of prolonged standing, sitting, etc. To avoid swollen ankles, it's important to stay active, maintain a healthy weight, elevate your legs regularly, reduce salt intake, and wear compression stockings if necessary. If swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice, as it may indicate a more serious health issue. Read on as we help you identify some common reasons behind swollen ankles.

10 Common causes of swollen ankles

1. Fluid retention

Fluid retention, or edema, often occurs when the body's tissues retain too much water. This can be due to prolonged standing or sitting, hormonal changes, or certain medications. The excess fluid accumulates in the lower extremities, leading to swelling.

2. Injury or trauma

Ankle injuries such as sprains, strains, or fractures can cause swelling as a natural response to inflammation. The body's immune system sends fluids and white blood cells to the injured area, leading to swelling.

3. Heart failure

In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the body, particularly in the legs and ankles. This condition often causes swelling, especially after standing or sitting for long periods.

4. Venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs are unable to efficiently return blood to the heart, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities. This pooling can lead to swollen ankles and legs.

5. Kidney disease

Kidney disease can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes and fluid retention, causing swelling in the ankles and other parts of the body. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they cannot remove excess fluid effectively.

6. Liver disease

Liver disease, particularly cirrhosis, can lead to fluid retention in the lower extremities due to reduced protein production and increased pressure in the veins. This fluid buildup causes swollen ankles.

7. Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is unable to properly drain lymph fluid, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in the ankles and legs. This condition can be caused by surgery, radiation, or infection.

8. Medications

Certain medications, including those for blood pressure, diabetes, and anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause fluid retention and swollen ankles as a side effect. These medications may alter the body's fluid balance or affect circulation.

9. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body retains more fluid, and the growing uterus can put pressure on the veins in the lower body, leading to swollen ankles. Hormonal changes also contribute to fluid retention during pregnancy.

10. Obesity

Excess body weight can put additional pressure on the veins in the legs, leading to poor circulation and fluid buildup in the lower extremities. This pressure can result in swollen ankles, particularly after standing or sitting for extended periods.

These causes of swollen ankles can range from mild to serious, so it's important to address the underlying issue and seek medical advice if swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.