Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Causes of Swollen Ankles

When fluid builds up in your ankle, it would lead to swelling in this part of the body. Also known as peripheral edema, this condition can be triggered by many causes. While the fluid accumulation is not always painful, it would cause difficulty in performing some physical activities and exercises. Older adults are often at a higher risk due to weakened ankles and legs. Sometimes, swollen ankles might indicate more serious health issues that require immediate medical treatments. With that in mind, let’s take a look at 10 common causes of this condition.

Medications

Some medications and drugs would lead to swollen ankles as their side effects. These might include steroids, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, testosterone pills, birth control pills, and more. To reduce the risks, it is better to talk with your doctor before starting any drug treatment. Also, taking the right dosage would help you prevent swelling. In some cases, your doctor might suggest diuretic drugs to reduce the swelling when it makes you feel uncomfortable. [1]