What Makes Ankles Swell?

Swollen Ankle

Swollen ankles can be uncomfortable, worrisome and even confusing if there is no obvious reason for the swelling. Narrowing down the possible reasons for your swelling ankles may help you take care of the problem properly and prevent it from occurring again.

Common Causes

Ankle swelling is commonly caused by standing too long, sitting too long while traveling, a period symptom, pregnancy, being overweight, aging and injury or trauma.

Fluid

Ankle swelling may be caused by excess fluid, which may be a symptom of heart failure, kidney failure or liver failure.

Conditions

Swollen ankles may be caused by other conditions including having a blood clot, having an infection, varicose veins, blocked lymph nodes in the legs, malnutrition, poor circulation or even an insect bite or sting.

Medications

Some medications may cause the ankles to swell, including hormone medications such as birth control pills or hormone replacement medicines, blood pressure medicines, antidepressants and steroids.

Diet

Having too much salt in your diet may make you retain water, which could result in ankle swelling.

References

• Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling