An ankle is layered with numerous types of bones, the more important ones are talus (foot), tibia, and fibula. Furthermore, the ankles play a major role in our posture while standing up, and even when we are sitting down; they are extremely vital for a fluid and enjoyable life. However, ankles swelling is a bitter condition that single-handedly debauches the daily routine and the whole life of an individual.
Right from not being able to pull heavyweights to facing difficulties in walking, ankle swelling is extremely discomforting and there is not a single reason that you can paint a target for the responsibility of cause swollen ankles.
We have prepared a list of ten common causes that orchestrate swelling in the ankles.
Cause No.1: Swelling due to pregnancy
Swollen ankles are commonly combined with the act of being pregnant, a common occurring scenario in pregnant women. The condition gets triggered due to the extra squeezing out of fluids during pregnancy. Even the veins are more pressurized by the uterus which causes the swelling. Swelling during pregnancy can be combatted by avoiding standing up for long hours and sleeping on the left side to be able to trigger the return of venous to the heart.
Cause No.2: Preeclampsia
A condition also associated with pregnancy, preeclampsia refers to the elevation of protein content in the urine which ultimately leads to the swelling of hands, legs, and ankles. A condition associated with later stages of pregnancy, and if it’s not treated properly then it can evolve into eclampsia, a more lethal health condition. While preeclampsia is quite ineffective, eclampsia can lead to dreadful seizures and can be extremely dangerous for both, the mother and the child.
Cause No.3: Trauma or injury
It is plain as a day that a foot injury can cause ankle swelling, however more than the injury itself, sometimes the trauma of an injury or a tragedy can lead to elevated stress that can lead to an ankle injury. Patients suffering from ankle injury are actively advised to follow the RICE regime – a system that involves rest, icing, compression, and elevation. It’s quite effective in reducing the pain and the swelling while also eliminating any possible future dangers.
Cause No.4: Lymphedema
A condition that involves the blocking up of fluid movements into the lymph vessels. As the collected lymph fluid does not get used it causes infection and deformity which leads to irreparable damage. Lymphedema mostly occurs post-surgery or radiation therapy that involves the surgical removal of lymph nodes.
Cause No.5: Lack of venous
A condition refers to the obstruction of blood reaching back to the heart. Our body is fastened with valves that regulate the flow of blood throughout our entire body, but when there is an insufficient amount of venous in our bloodstream then the fluid movement of blood towards the heart becomes extremely difficult and the inability of the blood to pass through the heart translates into a grisly situation where the blood starts rushing back to the lower part of the body. Henceforth, resulting in the engorging of feet, legs, and ankles. Lack of venous can be triggered by conditions like varicose veins – a discomforting ordeal where the veins are clogged with high volumes of water.
Cause No.6: Blood clots
Blood cloth are directly responsible for the swelling of ankles, the clots are made due to the vein blockage due to the additional amount of blood that is running towards the lower part of the body. Blood clots do not stay confined to the ankle region of the body and they travel to the lungs or the heart. If the patient observes unusual swelling, pain, or redness in the ankles then it is strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Cause No.7: Infection
An injury around the ankles or feet can rapidly turn into a discomforting infection. Patients who commonly suffer from diabetes fall under the greater risk of infection and damages. Individuals suffering from diabetes should be sure to seek proper care for the tiniest of foot wound or injury that they can get. The rate of infection expansion is extremely rapid during diabetes and a little oversight can result in extremely harsh outcomes.
Cause No.8: Heart diseases
During debilitating heart conditions, the heart is not able to function at the maximum capacity and its ability to efficiently pump blood takes a huge blow. Hence, the heart malfunction drastically slows down the pumping of the blood which ultimately leads to swelling in legs, feet, or ankles. Even the malfunctioning of the kidney is a major factor behind the unusual engorging of ankles and feet.
Cause No.9: Kidney diseases
The kidney keeps the body clean by getting rid of all the waste contents of fluid and sodium in the body. During kidney malfunction, there is the excessive collection of sodium and fluid in the body which leads to the swelling of the lower part of the body namely the feet and the legs and also the swelling near the eye region.
Cause No.10: Latrogenesis
This refers to the harmful effect of their duties on the physical abilities of a healthcare professional or a medical practitioner. Swelling in ankles is triggered due to the high dosage of medications which are primarily used for oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Swelling can also occur due to the regular consumption of blood pressure medicines and drugs. Even fitness steroids and mental health enhancers like antidepressant and anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause swelling in the ankles.