Swollen ankles can be a sign of various conditions, including:

• Injury: An injury to the foot or ankle can lead to swelling. The most common is a sprained ankle, which occurs when an injury or misstep causes the ligaments that hold the ankle in place to be stretched beyond their normal range.

• Venous insufficiency: Swelling of the ankles and feet is often an early symptom of venous insufficiency, a condition in which blood inadequately moves up the veins from the legs and feet up to the heart. When these valves become damaged or weakened, the blood leaks back down the vessels and fluid is retained in the soft tissue of the lower legs, especially the ankles and feet.

• Infection: Swelling in the feet and ankles can be a sign of infection. People with diabetic neuropathy or other nerve problems of the feet are at greater risk for foot infections. If you have diabetes, it is important to inspect feet daily for blisters and sores, because nerve damage can blunt the pain sensation and foot problems can progress quickly.

• Heart, kidney, or liver failure: Swollen legs may be a sign of heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure. In these conditions, there is too much fluid in the body, and it collects in the legs and feet.

• Edema: Edema is a condition where there is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs, causing swelling. It can be caused by various factors, such as keeping the legs in the same position for too long, eating too much salt, and being at an unhealthy weight. Certain conditions can also cause edema, such as kidney problems, preeclampsia, blood clot, heart failure, and chronic liver disease.

It is important to see a doctor if the swelling does not go away in a few days, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as heat or discoloration in the swollen area, shortness of breath, or chest pain.