10 Common Causes Of Swollen Ankles

The ankle is the region where the leg and the foot meet. It includes three joints: the talocrural joint, inferior tibiofibular joint, and subtalar joint. The ankle functions to dorsiflex (flex up towards the body), plantarflex (flex down with toes pointing down), inversion (slight inward movement), and eversion (slight outward movement).

There are many bones involved in the ankle region, but the main ones are the talus (in the foot), the tibia, and the fibula (in the leg). The ankle is a crucial joint for us as it plays an important role in human gait. Swollen ankles can cause pain and difficulty in bearing the weight, which will affect movements like standing and walking. Swollen ankles can occur as a result of many conditions, and the treatment will depend on the underlying causes. Here, let's take a look at 10 common causes of swollen ankles.

Causes of Swollen Ankles #1: Pregnancy

Many women suffer from swollen ankles during pregnancy. Don't worry! It's a normal course of pregnancy. This occurs because the body begins to retain more fluid during pregnancy. Another major factor is that the developing uterus increases pressure on the veins that are transporting blood from the lower parts of your body back to your heart. This means that blood returning to the heart can be impaired. Hormonal changes and fluctuations can also lead to swollen ankles.

If you're experiencing swollen ankles during pregnancy, try these simple steps: stay off your feet, wear compression stockings and loose clothing, and lie on your left side to help venous return to your heart.




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