Ankle Swelling: A Hidden Sign of Underlying Health Problems

Ankle swelling is one of those body changes that often goes unnoticed because it is a part of everyday life. It might be the result of a long trip in a car, an evening after which you have been standing a lot, or hot weather, and then it disappears on its own.As it seldom calls for help right away, quite a few people get used to it instead of doubting it. Nevertheless, the swelling around the ankles is not only a superficial problem. It can even signify changes in the circulation system, the functioning of organs, or some kind of inflammation. All these can still develop slowly and silently. With the prevalence of chronic health problems and the tendency to have a sedentary lifestyle, ankle swelling is less and less considered just a small problem and more as a noticeable symptom of one's inner health. Turning to this first sign may really be different in the way of finding out diseases far before the stage of them progressing further. Researchpublished in PLOS Onehighlights how ageing-related vascular changes, reduced mobility, and chronic illness contribute to sustained fluid retention in the lower extremities.IPL Auction 2026IPL Auction 2026: KKR splurge Rs 25.2 crore on Green; RCB snap up Iyer for Rs 7 croreIPL 2026 team and squad List: Updated players for all 10 Teams; who got whomIPL Auction 2026: Full list of retained and released players12 Daily Habits That Can Harm Your HealthEarly signs of ankle swelling and why they are often ignoredAnkle swelling is a gradual process; one can very often get used to it or even ignore it. The discomfort in the feet makes people postpone going to the doctor, as the swelling usually does not threaten them in their everyday activities.Very often, those who are affected may experience the following:Slight swelling near the ankles or feet after a long dayPressing the skin to remove the socks or shoes, you will notice the indentationShiny or stretched-looking skin around the anklesThe feeling of heaviness, tightness, or dullness without any sharp painThe swelling that disappears after a night's rest or when one elevates the legsWhat ankle swelling may indicateEven though the ankle swelling is somewhat apparent, it is a sign of the processes that happen inside the body and affect the way the fluids move within the body. The reason why the ankles are so susceptible to swelling is that gravity helps the fluid to pool in the parts of the body, which are closest to the ground, especially when the circulation or organ functions are not very good.by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeNita Ambani unveils an innovative treehouse at Nita Mukesh...Vikramaditya Motwane says shows like Shah Rukh Khan-backed Aryan Khan's 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' 'prove audiences are ready'The Times of IndiaPossible causes behind fluid build-up, leading to swollen ankles:Chronic venous insufficiency, a condition characterised by the valves in the veins becoming weak and as a result, the blood pools in the legsHeart problems that make the organ incapable of pumping blood properlyKidney diseases that cause disturbance in the fluid and sodium balanceLiver problems result in decreased protein levels in the blood, which enables the fluid to leak into the tissuesInflammation caused by injury, infection, or arthritis of the jointsDrug side effects, such as blood pressure medications, hormones, or steroidsHow ankle swelling is assessed and diagnosedThe process of identifying the root of ankle swelling embraces much more than just verifying the existence of fluid. Medical professionals put emphasis on establishing whether the swelling is only in the local area or it is a symptom of systemic conditions affecting organs like the heart, kidneys, liver, or blood vessels.The causes of swollen ankles can be evaluated in the following ways:The examination of the legs for their size and shape, the texture of the skin around them, and the depth of the hollow left after pressingIn-depth discussion of the patient’s medical history, habits, and recent changes in healthTests for checking the health of the kidneys, liver, and determining the protein level in the bodyAnalysis of the urine samples to look for fluid or protein in abnormal amountsChecking the Body with the help of modern instrumentation like Ultrasound or Echocardiography when there is a suspicion of the circulation or Heart functionWhy untreated ankle swelling can lead to serious complicationsIn cases where ankle swelling is being overlooked or considered as the result of productive lifestyle changes, the true reason may progress without the intervention of healthcare professionals.The constant build-up of fluid over a long time can not only cause physical pain but also lead to serious health issues.The health risks of ignoring swollen ankles are:The gradual exacerbation of cardiac or vascular diseasesIncreased chances for skin infections as the skin gets more and more stretched, and also becomes weakThe emergence of leg ulcers whose healing process is very slowThe decrease in moving power because of the development of stiffness, pain, or heaviness in the legsA change of the skin that becomes permanent, such as getting thicker and changing the colourThe late diagnosis of kidney or liver disease when they have already reached advanced stagesHow ankle swelling is treated once the cause is identifiedThe main focus of treatment should be on the real cause that leads to the ankle swelling, rather than just on the visible part of it. If managed early and properly, the disease will progress more slowly, and the patient will benefit from comfort and increased mobility.Ankle swelling is treated in the following ways:Medication therapy for cardiac, renal, or liver disorders that are the root causes of fluid retentionIf there are drugs in use that may be the cause of the swelling, doctors recommend that these medications be changed or adjustedThe wearing of compression clothes that help blood flow through the veins in the legsMeasures in everyday life, such as moving regularly, elevating the legs, and controlling one’s weightObservation and continuation of patient care so that the oedema does not become a sign of the aggravation of the ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌diseaseDisclaimer: This content is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Health conditions and symptoms can vary between individuals. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your situation.Also Read |Commonly‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ unknown symptoms of menopause you should watch out forGet an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here