11. Kidney, Heart or Liver Disease
Swollen ankles can sometimes be a result of medical conditions such as kidney, heart, or liver disease. Heart failure condition promotes the accumulation of fluid in lower limbs including the ankles. A failing heart cannot forcefully pump out sufficient blood, leading to the blood backflow. This results in fluid building up in certain areas like the abdomen and lower limbs.
In addition, swollen ankles are one of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
If kidney function deteriorates, body waste and toxins build up in the blood and make the condition worse. The unfiltered toxins in the blood then cause severe symptoms such as swollen feet and ankles and fatigue. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, it affects the production of albumin. This enzyme controls the flow of blood, not allowing it to leak out of vessels. Insufficient production of albumin results in fluid leaking into surrounding tissues, hence swelling.