why do my ankles and feet swell up
There are many potential causes of foot, leg, and ankle swelling. 1  Being overweight: Excess body mass can decrease blood circulation, causing fluid to build up in the feet, legs, and ankles.  Standing or sitting for long periods: When the muscles are inactive, they canât pump body fluids back up toward the heart.
a) Heart Problems: Problems such as congestive heart failure and hypertensive heart disease can cause swollen feet and ankles. If heart function decreases, it canât pump the blood around the body as effectively and pressure builds up in the blood vessels causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues.
Gravity can then cause this fluid to pool around the feet. Swollen feet and ankles from heart disease tends to get worse during the day. b) Kidney Problems: One of the important functions of the kidneys is to remove excess fluid from the body and regulate electrolyte and salt levels.
1 Blood clot in the leg: A blood clot is a clump of blood thatâs in a solid state. When a blood clot forms in a vein of the leg, it can impair blood flow, leading to swelling and discomfort.  Injury or infection: An injury or infection affecting the foot, leg, or ankle results in increased blood flow to the area.