What causes swelling in the ankle?

Ankle swelling, known as ankle edema. Some common causes of this condition include:

1. Sprains or injuries: During sports or daily activities, the ankle may experience soft tissue damage due to improper twisting or stretching, resulting in swelling.

2. Inflammation: Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and tendonitis may cause ankle swelling.

3. Venous return disorders: Prolonged standing or sitting can obstruct venous blood return in the lower limbs, leading to ankle edema. This is commonly seen in varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and similar conditions.

4. Heart disease: When heart function is impaired, the heart's ability to pump blood decreases, increasing systemic venous pressure and causing lower limb edema, particularly more pronounced in patients with right heart failure.

5. Kidney disease: Abnormal kidney function, such as nephritis or nephrotic syndrome, can affect the body's water and electrolyte balance, leading to sodium and water retention and generalized edema, including swelling in the ankles.

6. Endocrine disorders: Conditions such as hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism can affect the body's metabolism and cause edema.

7. Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may cause edema in parts of the body, including the ankles.

8. Physiological causes: Maintaining the same posture for extended periods, such as standing or squatting for long durations, or during a woman's menstrual cycle or pregnancy, may also result in physiological ankle swelling.