Although you might expect to have sore muscles or feel a bit fatigued after exercise, ankles that are painful and swollen are definitely a sign that something is wrong. A variety of issues can cause ankle swelling, and some of them can be quite serious. Due to the potential risks to your health, you should consult your doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
Circulatory Problems
Disorders that cause fluid to build up in your body can lead to swollen ankles if you are standing for long periods of time, such as when you are exercising. The problem could be due to a malfunction of your heart, kidney or liver, which often causes swelling in the legs, feet and ankles. If the veins in your legs aren't working properly, blood and fluid can pool in the ankles, causing swelling and pain. A blood clot could also be the culprit. A clot will often block proper blood flow and lead to swelling.
Injury
Injuries to the tendons, ligaments, bones or connective tissue of the ankle can lead to painful swelling. You are more likely to experience injury if you participate in sports that have a high impact on your ankles, such as running or jogging. If you are exercising on hard or uneven surfaces, it will further increase the likelihood that injuries will occur. Injuries are often more painful when you move your ankles, and you may have bruising along with the pain and swelling. Injuries should be seen by a doctor, but resting your ankles and icing them can help alleviate discomfort in the meantime. Elevating the ankles above the heart level and compression help with the swelling.
Bodily Issues
Being overweight can put a lot of pressure on your feet and ankles, particularly if you are performing a high-impact exercise. The older you get, the more your veins and arteries lose their elasticity, which can lead to problems such as ankle swelling. If you are pregnant, swelling in your ankles could mean you are getting preeclampsia, a dangerous condition that can lead to swelling and elevated blood pressure. Some women have swelling as part of their menstrual cycle; exercising could be making the problem worse.
Medications
An often overlooked cause of swelling is medication. Certain medications can change the way your blood flows or affect your hormone levels, all of which can cause swelling in your ankles or feet. Exercise could simply be exacerbating the problem. The hormone estrogen that is in many birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies is a common culprit, as is the hormone testosterone. Other medications that have similar side effects include blood pressure medications, antidepressants and steroids. Consult your doctor if you are taking any prescription medication, and discuss any possible side effects.
