Swollen ankles: 4 dangerous diseases you may have

Swollen ankles are caused by fluid buildup in the tissues of the legs. Anyone can get swollen ankles. However, it is important to identify the underlying cause.

Ankle edema, also known as peripheral edema, is a condition in which the tissue in the ankle swells abnormally due to fluid accumulation, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Swollen ankles can be a sign of heart failure or kidney problems.

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Ankle swelling can become worse if you walk, stand, or sit for too long. Pressing on the swollen area with your finger can leave an indentation in the skin.

Swollen ankles can be a warning sign of the following dangerous health problems:

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver develops severe scarring. This results in impaired liver function, which can impede blood flow and cause swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems such as portal hypertension, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, liver cancer, and liver failure.

Heart failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes too weak to pump blood effectively. This can cause blood to pool in the limbs. Fluid can also build up in the lungs, causing coughing and difficulty breathing.

Kidney abnormalities

Kidney abnormalities affect the organ’s ability to filter blood. As a result, excess fluid builds up in the feet and legs, causing swelling. This can be due to kidney damage or even chronic kidney disease.

Varicose veins

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the vein walls become weak and the vein valves become damaged. If this happens, blood flow is affected, eventually causing blood to pool in the veins of the legs. This results in swollen ankles.

Factors that increase the risk of varicose veins include older age, family history of the disease, previous congestive heart failure, obesity, smoking, and frequently standing for long periods of time, according to Medical News Today .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sung-phu-mat-ca-chan-4-can-benh-nguy-hiem-co-the-dang-mac-185240721155106089.htm