What Causes Swelling In The Ankle?

Posted on Thu, 1 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Sometimes I have swelling in my left ankle. If I am wearing sandlots it swells. If I am wearing work boots or socks and a good pair of sneakers it won't swell under the same conditions. What might cause this'd?

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. This is likely a problem with the valves in your leg veins

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Incompetent valves in the veins of the legs let the blood collect in the foot and ankle causing that area to swell. It isn't a serious problem and can be corrected with elastic stockings. That said, you should have a doctor check it out since it might be an indication of congestive heart failure or a kidney problem.

Please let me know if you need any more information

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad