Swollen ankles: 4 dangerous diseases you may be suffering from.

Ankle swelling is caused by fluid buildup in the tissues of the leg. Anyone can experience ankle swelling. However, it's important to identify the underlying cause.

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

Swelling in the ankles can be a sign of heart failure or kidney problems.

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Ankle swelling can worsen if the patient walks, stands, or sits for too long. Pressing a finger into the swollen area may leave an indentation in the skin.

Swelling in the ankles can be a warning sign of the following serious health problems:

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver develops severe scarring. As a result, liver function is impaired, hindering blood flow and leading to swelling in the lower legs, ankles, and abdomen. If left untreated, patients may experience serious health problems such as portal hypertension, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, liver cancer, and liver failure.

Heart failure

Heart failure is a condition where the heart muscle is too weak to pump blood effectively. This can cause blood to pool in the limbs. Additionally, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, leading to coughing and shortness of breath.

Kidney abnormalities

Kidney abnormalities can affect the organ's ability to filter blood. This results in excess fluid accumulating in the feet and lower legs, causing swelling. This could be due to kidney damage or even chronic kidney disease.

Varicose veins

Chronic varicose veins occur when the vein walls weaken and the venous valves malfunction. If this happens, blood circulation is affected, eventually causing blood to pool in the leg veins. This results in swollen ankles.

Factors that increase the risk of varicose veins include old age, a family history of the condition, a history of congestive heart failure, obesity, smoking, and prolonged standing, according to Medical News Today .

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