Quick answer
What could swollen ankles mean?
Swollen ankles happen when fluid collects in the lower legs, often after long periods of standing, in hot weather or during pregnancy. Elevating the legs and moving around regularly usually helps. Swelling that affects one leg, is painful, or comes with breathlessness needs prompt medical assessment.
Understanding swollen ankles
Ankle oedema — a build-up of fluid around the ankles and feet — is common and often harmless. Swelling that affects only one leg, or that is painful, needs medical assessment because it can point to a more serious cause.
Common causes of swollen ankles
Long periods of standing, pregnancy and heart failure are among the most frequent causes of ankle swelling. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) causes swelling in one leg and needs urgent assessment.
Self-care for swollen ankles
Elevating your legs and moving around regularly helps fluid to drain away from the ankles. Reducing the salt in your diet may also help, but only do this if a GP has advised it.
When to seek help for swollen ankles
Swelling that persists, or swelling that comes with breathlessness, needs a GP review. If you become suddenly breathless and have leg swelling, call 999 straight away.
Common questions about swollen ankles
- Why do my ankles swell when I stand?
- Ankles swell because gravity pulls fluid down into the legs when you stand for long periods. Elevating your legs and walking regularly helps the fluid to drain away.
- Is ankle swelling normal in pregnancy?
- Mild ankle swelling is common in pregnancy and usually nothing to worry about. However, sudden swelling of the face or hands together with a headache needs urgent review, because it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
- Can medicines cause swollen ankles?
- Yes, some medicines can cause swollen ankles. Amlodipine and similar blood pressure medicines are a common cause of ankle oedema.
- When is a swollen ankle a sign of a blood clot?
- A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) usually causes one swollen calf that is tender to touch. The risk rises after surgery or long journeys, so one-sided painful swelling needs prompt assessment.