This is one of the most common reasons why our patients visit us for swollen feet. Sudden swelling can spring up for a variety of reasons, including sprains, strains, and fractured bones.
Cut back on sodium and do your best to eat a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein each day. Various medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, can cause swelling. When arteries and blood vessels become restricted, your extremities can see more fluid retention, particularly your feet and ankles.
This is especially true if you smoke or regularly drink alcohol. If you do smoke, we advise you to talk to your doctor and take steps to quit as soon as possible. Your lungs, heart, and feet will thank you! Various diseases, including heart, kidney, liver, and lung disease, can all contribute to swollen feet and ankles. Keep an eye out for swollen feet at night, unexplained changes in your weight, a loss of appetite, and fatigue.
If you notice any of these symptoms, please consult with your doctor as soon as possible. A blood clot in the leg, also known as deep-vein thrombosis, should never be ignored. Treatment may include medications to prevent seizures and lower blood pressure. Delivering the baby is the most effective treatment, although some women may experience worsening symptoms before they get better. Lymphedema is a type of swelling that affects the soft tissues in the arms or legs, including the ankles.
It is due to a buildup of a fluid called lymph. This is mainly composed of white blood cells, which help fight infection. Lymphedema occurs when there is a blockage or some other damage to the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of infection and keep fluids in balance.
Lymphedema can result from infections, cancer , and surgical removal of the lymph nodes. Some hereditary conditions can also cause lymphedema. Damage to the lymphatic system is irreversible, so treatment aims to reduce swelling and prevent other symptoms. Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood as effectively as it should. There are three different types of heart failure: left-sided, right-sided, and congestive heart failure.
In right-sided and congestive heart failure, there is a reduction in blood flow out of the heart, causing blood to back up into the veins. This may lead to a buildup of fluid in tissues, including the legs and ankles. Heart failure also affects the kidneys , reducing their ability to remove salt and water from the body. This further contributes to edema. A doctor may prescribe diuretic medications and suggest monitoring and reducing fluid intake.
Both of these treatments can help reduce swelling in the ankles and legs. Chronic kidney disease refers to permanent kidney damage, which can worsen over time. A person may not experience any symptoms until they are in the late stages of the disease, called kidney failure or end-stage renal disease ESRD. During ESRD, the kidneys struggle to remove waste and extra fluid from the body.
This can lead to a range of symptoms, including swollen ankles. The healthy liver produces a protein called albumin. Albumin prevents fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels and into surrounding tissues. Very low levels of albumin due to liver disease can cause a buildup of fluid in the legs, ankles, and abdomen.
A doctor may prescribe medications and offer advice on certain lifestyle factors that could help prevent or slow further liver damage. Examples include:. If a person has hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, it means that their thyroid gland produces too few hormones. A study suggests that there may be a link between thyroid disorders and rheumatoid arthritis , which can also cause painful swelling in the joints. There are many explanations for why a person may have swollen feet. Some causes, such as a twisted or sprained ankle, are obvious.
Others might be…. An itchy ankle is a complaint with a wide variety of causes. Informed by current CDC guidelines. Skip to main content Skip to accessibility services Buoy Logo.
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Speech Bubble Icon. Share Icon. Facebook Icon. LinkedIn Icon. Pinterest Icon. Pocket Icon. Share Link Icon. Copied to clipboard. Table of Contents. Swollen ankles questionnaire Use our free symptom checker to find out what's causing your swollen ankles. What does a swollen ankle feel like? The swelling may be associated with: Pain Throbbing Heaviness Difficulty with footwear Trouble walking Shortness of breath Decreased exercise tolerance.
What causes a swollen ankle? Some common causes of swollen ankles, divided by category, are outlined below: Fluid problems Vein issues. Your veins drain blood from the ankles and transport it back to the heart.
As we age, problems can develop with this system and fluid can build up. Heart disease. When your heart struggles to pump blood heart failure , the body holds on to extra fluid that can build-up in your ankles and other areas. Liver disease. A damaged or diseased liver, such as cirrhosis or severe hepatitis, can cause fluid retention or leakage into certain areas of the body.
Kidney disease. Your kidneys do the complex job of keeping salt, fluid and electrolytes in balance. Physical causes Overuse. Walking all day or exercising more than usual puts strain on the ankles that may lead to temporary inflammation and swelling.
Swelling may be the most obvious sign of a broken or sprained ankle that may also be painful. Sitting still. Remaining seating for long periods of time, such as during an airplane ride, allows blood and fluid to pool in the ankles due to the force of gravity.
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