If your job demands long periods of standing or sitting then swollen ankles and swollen feet are not any cause of concern. But if your feet and ankles remain swollen and are associated with other symptoms then you must seek doctor's advice.

Swollen feet and ankles can be localized and can be caused due to some injury like sprain, fracture, or infection in the lower extremities or it can be due to systemic condition. Swollen feet and ankles due to systemic condition means there is a disease which has affected the entire body of the patient like heart disease, kidney or liver failure. In such cases, the excess fluid builds up and this concentrates in the ankles and feet leading to swelling in the lower extremities.

Research and clinical studies have outlined the following most common causes of swollen feet and ankles:

• Pregnancy: Slight swelling of the ankles and feet is very common in pregnancy but if this is associated with other symptoms like nausea and vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, cramps and abdominal pain then consult your doctor immediately.

• Lymphedema: Accumulation of lymphatic fluid can cause swollen feet and ankles. This can be caused due to problems with lymph vessels or when the lymph nodes are removed. This is very common condition in cancer patients who have taken radiation therapy.

• Venous insufficiency: Swollen feet and ankles can be due to venous insufficiency. The veins have one-way valves and are designed by nature so that the blood flows only in upward direction towards the heart. The swelling condition can occur if the blood flows inadequately due to weakening of the vein valves or damage to them. In such conditions, the blood comes back and is accumulated in the soft tissues of feet and ankles. Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to infection, skin ulcers etc.

Swollen feet and ankles can also be due to the adverse effects of many drugs like anti-depressants, diabetic medications and steroids. This condition itself is not life threatening but see your doctor if it persists for long periods and is associated with other symptoms.

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