When excess fluid builds up in the tissues of the legs and feet, then we could get swollen ankle problems. The person with swollen ankles problems would find it highly uncomfortable while walking etc. Not only prolonged sitting or sitting continuously can cause the ankles to swell, but certain underlying conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease etc also.
How to avoid getting swollen ankles issues?
It is possible for us to avoid swollen ankles problems by staying active, by maintaining healthy weight, by elevating the legs regularly, by reducing the intake of salt and by wearing compression stockings etc. Sometimes, the swelling in the ankles might be there for a long time and it might be present along with other symptoms also. In such a scenario, we must consult a doctor without fail.
These are the various reasons for the swollen ankles issue.
Fluid retention:
Sometimes, our body tissues would retain more water and this could lead to fluid retention in us. This could cause swollen ankles. Prolonged sitting or standing or changes in the hormones etc could be the reasons for the fluid retention.
Injury or trauma:
As a natural response to inflammation, ankle injuries like fractures, sprains etc could result in swollen ankles. It is learnt that the body`s immune system sends fluids and white blood cells to the injured area causing swollen ankles.
Heart failure:
There would be build up of fluid inside the body when there is heart failure. Here, the heart would not be able to pump blood effectively. The fluid would get collected in the legs and ankles etc. After standing or sitting for long periods, a heart failure condition could cause ankle swelling. Take care.
Venous insufficiency;
The veins present in the legs would not be able to return blood to the heart. This could lead to venous insufficiency. Here, the blood would pool in the lower extremities. This could lead to swollen ankles.
Kidney disease:
There would be an imbalance in the electrolytes and fluid retention due to kidney disease. Excess fluids present would not get removed by the kidneys if the kidneys do not function properly. Please, be careful.
Liver disease:
Fluid retention would be present in the lower extremities due to liver disease especially liver cirrhosis. This could be mainly because of reduced protein production and due to increased pressure in the veins.
Lymphedema:
When the lymphatic system could not drain the lymph fluid properly, then it could lead to lymphedema. This could lead to fluid build up and to the swollen ankles.
Pregnancy:
The body would retain more fluid during pregnancy and the growing uterus would put more pressure on the veins present in the lower body leading to the swollen ankles.
Certain medications:
It is true that there are certain medicines that we consusume for our issues like BP and diabetes etc could result in fluid retention and swollen ankles. It must be taken into account that these medications would alter the fluid balance of the body.