If your ankles swell by day’s end, it may be more than fatigue—your body could be signaling an underlying issue. According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Medical School, ankle swelling, or **peripheral edema**, can result from lifestyle habits or serious health conditions.
**Why Ankles Swell:**
Swelling happens when fluid builds up in the tissues. Gravity pulls this fluid toward your feet and ankles, especially if you sit or stand too long. “Blood circulation slows, and the lymphatic system may struggle to remove excess fluid efficiently.”
**Common Causes Include:**
* *Prolonged sitting or standing* (e.g., long flights or desk jobs)
* *Water retention* from salty foods, dehydration, or hormones
* *Circulatory problems* like chronic venous insufficiency
* *Heart or kidney disorders*, especially if swelling comes with fatigue or rapid weight gain
* *Medications* such as corticosteroids, antidepressants, or blood pressure drugs
**When to Call a Doctor:**
Seek help if you notice sudden swelling in one ankle, pain, redness, warmth, breathing issues, or fast weight gain—these could signal clots or organ trouble.
**Prevention Tips:**
Stay active, hydrate, reduce salt, elevate your legs, wear compression socks, and choose supportive footwear.
**Final Note:**
Don’t ignore persistent swelling. As the article says, “good health really does start from the ground up.”
