Fluid accumulation in the tissues of legs and ankles is known as peripheral edema. A sudden injury or an underlying medical condition can result in the gradual swelling of the lower extremities. Anti-inflammatory medications, rest, ice, elevation of the legs and ankles as well as compression stocking can help alleviate or reduce the swelling in the legs and ankles.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is a medical condition characterized by an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart valves and heart chambers. According to MedlinePlus, endocarditis is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection that enters the bloodstream and travels, attaches and causes damage to the heart muscle, heart valves and lining of the heart. Bacterial or fungal microorganisms enter the bloodstream via injection drug use, contaminated central venous access lines or recent dental surgery. Individuals at a great risk of developing endocarditis are those with prior heart or valve surgery or weakened valves. Symptoms commonly associated with endocarditis include fever, chills, shortness of breath, night sweats, unexplained weight loss and swelling of the legs and feet.
Venous Insufficiency
The veins are blood arteries responsible for returning blood from the lower extremities to the heart. The veins rely on calf muscles to contract and push the blood towards the heart and one-way valves that prevent the back flow of blood or the collection of the blood in one place. In venous insufficiency, the veins are unable to send the blood from the lower extremities to the heart due to valve damage, venous obstruction due to to a blood clot or decreased contraction of the legs muscles. The decreased flow of blood to the heart causes tissue edema, primarily fluid accumulation in the legs and ankles, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Aortic Valve Regurgitation
Aortic valve regurgitation is a medical condition in which the aortic valve in the heart does not close tightly, causing blood to leak backwards. The aortic valve has two triangular shaped flaps that act as a one-way gate that opens as blood flows out of the left ventricle and closes immediately afterwards to prevent the blood from flowing backwards into the left ventricle. In aortic valve regurgitation, the aortic valve is damaged, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart and the rest of the body. According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms commonly associated with aortic valve regurgitation include fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat and swollen legs and ankles.
