Swollen ankles, also known as ankle edema, can be a common complaint for many people. It is often caused by fluid accumulation in the tissues around the ankle joint that results in swelling.

In some cases, swollen ankles can occur due to an injury or being on your feet for extended periods of time. However, swollen ankles can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. In this article, we’ll explore the medical conditions that can cause swollen ankles.

Heart problems

One of the most common medical conditions that can cause swollen ankles is heart problems. When the heart is not functioning correctly, it can cause a buildup of fluid in the body, such as the ankles.

This fluid accumulation is often the result of a weakened heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, causing it to pool in the veins and capillaries. This leads to ankle swelling, as the fluid accumulates in the surrounding tissues. Some of the heart conditions that can cause swollen ankles include congestive heart failure, heart valve disorders, and cardiomyopathy.

Kidney disease

Kidney disease can also cause swollen ankles. In this case, it is because the kidneys are not filtering the blood efficiently. This results in a buildup of excess fluids, which can lead to ankle swelling.

Individuals with kidney disease may also experience other symptoms such as lethargy, appetite loss, difficulty sleeping, and muscle cramps.

Liver disease

Another medical condition linked to swollen ankles is liver disease. The liver plays a crucial role in removing toxins from the body and producing vital hormones and proteins.

When the liver is damaged, toxins can accumulate in the body, and fluid can build up in the feet and ankles. Some of the liver diseases that can cause ankle swelling include cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C, and fatty liver disease.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is also associated with swollen ankles, particularly as the pregnancy progresses. This is due to the baby and uterus putting pressure on the veins in the pelvic area, causing a slowdown in circulation.

Additionally, there is an increase in fluid retention in the latter stages of pregnancy, which can result in swollen ankles.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins can also cause swollen ankles. They occur when the valves in the veins become weak or damaged, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins. This can lead to increased pressure in the veins, leading to ankle swelling.

Varicose veins are often seen as twisted, darkened veins that are visible on the surface of the skin. Although they are often not a serious medical condition, they can cause discomfort and pain and should be treated to prevent complications, such as ulcers.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a medical condition characterized by a buildup of lymphatic fluid in the body’s tissues. This can occur when the lymph vessels are damaged or blocked, causing fluid to accumulate in the tissues and leading to swelling.

Swollen ankles are a common symptom of lymphedema. This condition can be caused by a host of underlying medical conditions, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or infection.

Side effects of medication

Swollen ankles can also be a side effect of certain medications. This is often the case for medications that cause fluid retention in the body.

Some examples of medications that can cause ankle swelling include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, calcium channel blockers, and hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. If you experience swelling while taking medication, it’s important to speak to your doctor, as they may need to adjust your dosage or prescribe a different type of medication.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by joint inflammation that affects millions of people worldwide. It can also cause swollen ankles, particularly if the arthritis affects the ankles or the joints in the feet.

The swelling may also be accompanied by pain, stiffness, and redness. Some types of arthritis that can cause ankle swelling include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Infections

Swollen ankles can also be the result of an infection or injury. Infections can cause swelling by producing inflammatory substances in response to the infection.

Injuries such as sprains or fractures can cause swelling and pain in the ankle area, as the body responds to the injury by increasing blood flow and causing fluid to accumulate.

Thyroid problems

Thyroid problems can also cause swollen ankles. When the thyroid gland is underactive, it can cause a slow-down in the body’s metabolic rate, leading to fluid retention and swelling in the ankles and feet.

This can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and dry skin.

Conclusion

Swollen ankles can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If you experience ankle swelling, it’s important to speak to your doctor, as they can help determine the cause.

Some of the medical conditions that can cause swollen ankles include heart problems, kidney disease, liver disease, pregnancy, varicose veins, lymphedema, side effects of medication, arthritis, infections, and thyroid problems. By identifying and treating the underlying medical condition, ankle swelling can often be relieved and prevented from recurring.