What Causes Swollen Ankles

Ankle swelling is an inflammation of ankles due to accumulation of fluid inside the ankle joint, or in the soft tissues around the ankle. Also known as edema in medical terms, swelling of the feet and ankle is a common disorder faced by people, at different phases of their life. Difficulty in walking, swelling and pain in ankles, weight gain, headaches, increased urination, etc. are some common symptoms of swollen ankles. However, walking or standing for an extended period may also cause swollen ankles, but this condition does subside on its own, with adequate rest. Similarly, long distance travel can also trigger the condition. Knowledge about what causes swollen ankles is essential not only for diagnosis, but also for proper and effective treatment to be meted out.

What Causes Ankle Swelling?

Determining the real causes of swollen ankles is the first step to find effective treatment. Therefore, common swollen ankle causes are as follows.

• Gout is a painful inflammation of the ankle due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals within the fluid of the ankle. Uric acid is a substance produced during digestion which helps the body in getting rid of the waste materials and toxins. Patients suffering from gout have an abnormal accumulation of uric acid crystals in their joints which causes swelling and inflammation.
• Ankle arthritis is another cause for ankle swelling and occurs when the joint between the shin bone (tibia) and ankle bone (talus) wears out. It can be painful and is more common in patients who are overweight, have rheumatoid arthritis or an injury to the ankle joint.
• Infection in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle joint (cellulitis) or in the joint itself (septic joint) is an unusual cause of swollen ankle.
• Abnormal blood flow can impair normal blood circulation in the body and cause swelling around the ankles. Blood clotting is a type of vascular obstruction that occurs in the legs and causes swollen ankles and feet. This swelling, if not treated in time, can extend further to the leg.
• Another cause of swollen ankles is peripheral edema, which is a circulation problem that may occur in both legs. It may cause chronic swelling of ankles due to aging, pregnancy, excessive pressure on the leg veins, obesity, varicose veins, etc.
• Our body is well-equipped to maintain the water level it requires and remove the rest. But sometimes this ability of the body fails due to excessive intake of salt and alcohol, less sweating, pregnancy, etc. As a result, the fluid gets collected within the ankle joints, which causes ankle swelling.
• Ankle tendinitis is one of the most common causes for ankle swelling which usually occurs in physically active individuals. Any injury to the posterior tibial tendon, a tendon present on the inside part of the ankle, responsible for raising the arch of the foot can cause severe pain and swelling around the ankle.
• Use of laxatives can also be a cause for swollen ankles. Laxatives are purging medications used to induce bowel movements or loosen the stool at the time of constipation.
• A traumatic injury like ankle sprain, broken ankle, or stress fracture can also lead to swelling around the ankle joint.
• In women, menstruation and pregnancy can be the most common causes of swollen ankle, feet, or legs. During pregnancy, there can be excessive ankle swelling due to high blood pressure, a sign of pre-eclampsia which needs immediate attention from a doctor.
• If lymphatic fluid accumulates in the ankle joints, it can also cause swelling in the feet and ankle joint. This condition is known as lymph-edema. A problem with the lymphatic system gives rise to this condition. This condition needs immediate treatment, lest it may get infected.

Infections by pathogens, venous insufficiency, insect bite, malnutrition, intake of medications like steroids, estrogens, antidepressants, etc. are some other causes for swollen ankles. These were some of the main causes of swollen ankles.

Placing the legs on an elevation often proves to be of help in treating the condition. If a person suffers from water retention then lowering the intake of sodium will prove to be of immense help in alleviating the condition. To prevent the condition, it is best not to wear tight-fitting clothes. Also on a long distance travel, it is important to take breaks at regular intervals and walk around a little. Implementing a healthy and balanced diet in your lifestyle, and performing regular exercises are some effective measures to treat and prevent problems associated with swollen ankles.