Swollen ankles, feet, and legs are a common problem, and you might be wondering, “Why Are My Ankles Swollen?”. Often, this swelling, known medically as oedema, resolves on its own. However, if it persists or worsens, it’s important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical advice.
What is Oedema?
Oedema is the build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues, which can cause swelling in various parts, particularly the ankles, feet, and legs due to gravity. This swelling occurs when tiny blood vessels leak fluid into surrounding tissues. While sometimes temporary and harmless, oedema can also be a symptom of an underlying health issue.
Common Causes of Swollen Ankles, Feet, and Legs
Many factors can contribute to swollen ankles, ranging from lifestyle habits to medical conditions. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Lifestyle Factors
- Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Staying in the same position for extended periods can cause fluid to pool in your lower extremities. This is a common reason for mild ankle swelling, especially after long flights or car rides.
- High Salt Intake: Eating too much salty food can lead your body to retain more water, contributing to swelling. Salt increases fluid retention, and this excess fluid can accumulate in the ankles and legs.
- Being Overweight or Obese: Excess weight can put additional pressure on your veins, making it harder for blood to return to the heart and potentially leading to fluid build-up in the lower legs and ankles.
Pregnancy
Swollen ankles, feet, and fingers are a common symptom during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume, which can cause fluid retention. While generally normal, sudden or severe swelling during pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of pre-eclampsia and should be checked by a doctor.
Medications
Certain medications can list oedema as a side effect. These include:
- High Blood Pressure Medications: Some calcium channel blockers, used to treat hypertension, can cause ankle swelling.
- Contraceptive Pills and Hormone Therapy: Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can affect fluid balance in the body.
- Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants can sometimes lead to fluid retention.
- Steroids: Corticosteroids, used to reduce inflammation, can also cause fluid retention and swelling.
If you suspect your medication is causing your swollen ankles, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking prescribed medication without medical advice.
Medical Conditions That Cause Swollen Ankles
While lifestyle factors are often responsible, swollen ankles can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention.
Injury and Bites
- Sprains and Strains: Ankle injuries, like sprains or strains, can cause localized swelling as part of the body’s natural healing process.
- Insect Bites and Stings: Reactions to insect bites or stings, particularly around the ankle or foot, can lead to swelling and inflammation in the affected area.
Problems with Kidneys, Liver, or Heart
Swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs can be a symptom of more serious conditions affecting major organs:
- Kidney Disease: Kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. If they aren’t working properly, fluid can build up, leading to oedema.
- Liver Disease: Liver problems can affect protein production, particularly albumin, which helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. Reduced albumin can contribute to oedema.
- Heart Failure: When the heart is not pumping blood effectively, it can lead to fluid back-up and swelling in the lower extremities.
Blood Clots
A blood clot in a leg vein (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) can block blood flow and cause swelling, usually in one leg. This condition can be serious and requires immediate medical attention.
Infection
Infections in the leg, foot, or ankle can cause swelling, redness, pain, and warmth in the affected area. This is more common in people with diabetes or nerve damage in their legs.
Recognizing Oedema: Symptoms to Watch For
Besides visible swelling, oedema can present with other symptoms:
-
Puffy or Swollen Ankles, Feet, or Legs: This is the most obvious sign. The swelling might be more noticeable at the end of the day or after prolonged standing or sitting.
-
Shiny or Stretched Skin: The skin over the swollen area may appear shiny or stretched due to the fluid build-up underneath.
-
Skin Discoloration: Changes in skin color may occur in the swollen area.
-
Discomfort or Stiffness: You might experience discomfort, aching, or stiffness in the swollen ankles, feet, or legs.
-
Pitting Oedema: If you press on the swollen skin for a few seconds, a dent or pit may remain after you lift your finger. This is known as pitting oedema and is a key sign of fluid retention.
Self-Care for Swollen Ankles: What You Can Do at Home
In many cases, swollen ankles can be managed with simple self-care measures at home.
Do’s
- Elevate Your Legs: Whenever possible, raise your legs above your heart level. Use pillows to prop them up when sitting or lying down. This helps to drain fluid away from your ankles and feet.
- Gentle Exercise: Regular, gentle exercise, such as walking, can improve blood circulation and reduce swelling. Movement helps pump fluid back towards the heart.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Opt for wide, comfortable shoes with low heels and soft soles. Avoid tight shoes that can restrict circulation.
- Foot Care: Wash, dry, and moisturize your feet daily to prevent skin infections, especially if you have diabetes or other conditions that affect circulation.
Don’ts
- Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Avoid standing or sitting in one position for long periods. Take breaks to move around and stretch your legs.
- Tight Clothing: Do not wear tight clothing, socks, or shoes that can restrict blood flow to your legs and ankles.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Swollen Ankles
While home care can be effective for mild swelling, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention.
When to See a Doctor (Non-Urgent)
Consult a doctor if your swollen ankles, feet, or legs:
- Persist: Do not improve after a few days of home treatment.
- Worsen: Get progressively worse over time.
- Are Recurring: Keep coming back without an obvious reason.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek urgent medical advice or contact NHS 111 if:
- Sudden Swelling in One Leg: If swelling occurs suddenly in only one ankle, foot, or leg and there is no obvious injury.
- Severe or Painful Swelling: If the swelling is severe, painful, or develops very quickly.
- Redness or Warmth: If the swollen area is red or feels hot to the touch, as this could indicate an infection.
- Fever or Chills: If you have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery, which could signal infection.
- Diabetes and Swollen Feet: If you have diabetes and experience swollen feet, ankles, or legs.
Emergency Situations (Call 999)
Call 999 immediately if you experience swollen ankles along with any of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
- Chest Tightness, Heaviness, or Pain
- Coughing Up Blood
These symptoms could indicate a serious condition like a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which requires immediate hospital treatment.
Treatment for Swollen Ankles and Oedema
Treatment for persistent or concerning swollen ankles depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor will diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment plan. This may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or treatment for an underlying medical condition.
If you are concerned about why your ankles are swollen, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and receive appropriate guidance.
