Swelling in the ankles can be a sign of a minor problem. It could also signal a serious underlying health disorder. Swelling in the ankles that is also known as ankle edema can have several etiologies ranging from minor to significant underlying health problems. An evaluation from a physician is always important to determine what is causing a person's ankles to swell.
Injury
One of the most obvious reasons for ankle swelling is injury. Trauma to the ankle joints, supporting structures or surrounding tissue can cause swelling from fluid accumulation that accompanies inflammation and injury. Swelling can be acute or chronic and recurring, and would be accompanied by pain with walking, flexing and extending, or ankle rotation.
Standing or Sitting for Long Periods of Time
Standing or sitting for long periods of time can cause a person's ankles to swell. Gravity alone causes fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities. Individuals with varicose veins may be especially prone to ankle swelling with prolonged standing or sitting due to incompetency of the valves in the leg veins, as are individuals with increased body mass index.
Medications
Some medications can cause a person's ankles to swell. Swollen ankles are common for individuals taking calcium channel blockers, commonly prescribed medications to control blood pressure and treat heart disease. Examples include amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem, verapamil and felodipine. Steroids and other hormones, such as estrogen for hormone replacement therapy or taken for birth control, and some classes of antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors or tricyclics can also cause ankle swelling.
Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure causes fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities and other parts of the body. A common symptom of heart failure is swelling in the ankles. Heart failure occurs from ineffective pumping action of the heart and requires a complete physical exam and testing to determine the cause.
Pregnancy
It is not uncommon to have swollen ankles during pregnancy. When the uterus grows it puts pressure on the pelvic organs and blood vessels, impeding the normal return of fluids back to the heart. Sudden swelling in the ankles can be a sign of preeclampsia, a dangerous condition that causes symptoms of high blood pressure, headache, sudden weight gain and blurred vision. The condition can be life threatening and should be evaluated and treated promptly.
Arthritis
Arthritis can affect the ankle and lead to swelling. Inflammation leads to pain, stiffness and ankle swelling that are the primary symptoms. Swelling in the ankles from arthritis is often the result of repeated trauma or previous fracture, according to information from orthopedic specialists at the University of Washington's Foot and Ankle Institute. Gout is a form of arthritis that can also cause swelling and pain in the ankles.
Rosai-Dorfman Disease
Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare autoimmune disorder. According to a report published April 2004 in the Oxford Journal, Rheumatology, "Rosai-Dorfman disease masquerading as chronic ankle arthritis: a case report and review of the literature," the disorder was responsible for swelling in one ankle accompanied by pain with weight bearing.
Hypothyroidism
Fluid retention that causes the ankles to swell can be a sign of an underactive thyroid gland, known as hypothyroidism. Swollen ankles, combined with other symptoms of fatigue, sensitivity to heat and cold, joint pains, frequent infection and depression can signal hypothyroidism as a possible cause for ankle swelling.
