The causes of a swollen ankle
Both swollen feet and ankles are not causes for concern, especially if you have been physically exerting yourself a lot, because physical exertion is bound to cause a little swelling and discomfort till the body gets rest and recuperates naturally. However, if a swollen ankle is one of the many issues that you have been experiencing, it is definitely a cause for concern. Here, we will discuss some of the main reasons that can be causing a swollen ankle for you.

Are swollen ankles a complication related to pregnancy?

• Yes, swollen ankles are one of the many complications that can occur during a pregnancy.
• While swollen feet and ankles to some degree are considered to be normal, it is the sudden or excessive swelling that may be a cause for concern. This may indicate preeclampsia, a condition in which the blood pressure shoots up and protein develops in urine post the twentieth week of pregnancy.
• If your swollen feet and ankles are also accompanied by headaches, frequent pain, and vomiting along with nausea, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Can an injury cause a swollen ankle?

• An injury is easily one of the most common causes of a swollen ankle. The most common cause for this would be a sprain to the foot muscles or even the ankle muscles.
• It is generally due to the ligaments holding the ankle being stretched beyond their normal capacity.
• While this may disappear with simple compressions and natural home remedies, if the pain does not subside for a week, you should consult a doctor to see the extent of the injury and the damage to your foot.

Can lymphedema cause your ankle to swell?

• Yes, lymphedema is definitely one of the top most reasons for ankle swelling.
• This condition is basically a collection of lymphatic fluid inside the tissues. This fluid may develop because of issues with lymph vessels and may even appear if the lymph nodes have been removed due to some reason.
• Lymph is basically a fluid rich in protein, which passes through the lymphatic system. Sometimes, due to the damage caused due to the lymphatic network, the lymph nodes may end up collating in one place; this results in lymphedema.

Are infections and blood clots related to swollen ankles?

• Yes, one of the side effects of a blood clot or venous insufficiency may be a swollen ankle. Sometimes, an infection in the body may also be characterized by a swollen ankle.
• For instance, diabetics who have developed diabetic neuropathy may be at a much higher risk of catching foot infections, which may result in a swollen ankle.
• Under venous insufficiency, the blood vessels do not function normally, and this results in blood clots near the ankle area. This condition may further result in a swollen ankle.

Is any heart, kidney, or liver disease associated with ankle swelling?

• While this is a rare situation, a swollen ankle can very well be a warning sign of a heart, kidney, or liver disease.
• Some patients complain of swollen ankles in the evening, which may be a result of despaired functioning of the right side of the heart.
• Sometimes, water and salt are retained in the body because the kidneys are not working well. This may also be one of the top-most reasons for ankles to swell up.
• Additionally, the despaired functioning of the liver may result in the non-passage of blood to the tissues nearby, which may also lead to a swollen ankle.

What medications may cause a swollen ankle as a side effect?
Everybody reacts differently to medications. Some of the medicines that may cause a swollen ankle as a side effect include the following:

• Blockers for the calcium channel may cause swollen ankles
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Antidepressants
• Medications for diabetes

It is advised to find out the main reason behind your swollen ankle and what has caused a side effect so that you can get started on the treatment right away.