Swollen ankles can be a sign of several health conditions. It can also be caused by taking certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers and steroids.
Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP
Swelling, also known as edema, is a buildup of fluid around the cells and tissues in the body. Certain medications, such as steroids or birth control, can lead to changes in your hormonal balance that can result in swelling in your ankles.
Other treatments, such as calciumchannel blockers or diabetes medication, may cause water retention as a side effect. The drug class thiazolidinedione is an example of a type of medication that may cause swelling in your feet and ankles.
This article will identify which medications can cause swelling in the ankles and how to prevent and treat this side effect.
What medications can cause swollen ankles?
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Taking certain medications may lead to swelling in your ankles as a side effect. The cause of swelling can vary depending on the type of medication you take and how it interacts with your body.
The medications that may cause swelling in your lower limbs can include:
Anticancer drugs
Medication for treating cancer may cause your small blood vessels, known as capillaries, to leak some fluid. This can lead to a buildup in your lower limbs and swelling in your ankles, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Anticancer drugs may also reduce your body’s hydrostatic pressure, which drives blood out of your capillaries. Low hydrostatic pressure can cause swelling in certain areas of your body, including your feet.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants may cause widening (dilation) of your blood vessels. This can cause water retention as a side effect, which can lead to swelling in your ankles.
Antidepressants that may cause swollen ankles include:
NSAID medications may cause sodium and water retention. This can cause swelling in the peripheral areas of the human body, particularly the feet and ankles.
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Swollen ankles are a common health concern in the United States. Around 20% of U.S. adults have reported experiencing swelling in their lower limbs.
The treatment options for swollen ankles may vary depending on the cause of the swelling. If the cause of the swelling is a medication, a doctor may consider recommending a different treatment or changing the dosage that you take.
If you experience swelling because a medication is causing water retention, doctors may prescribe diuretics, also known as water pills, to help you get rid of the fluid and salt excess.
Other treatment options include:
wearing compression socks
avoiding foods high in salt
elevating your feet so they rest above your heart
staying active
Prevention
Lowering the risk of heart and kidney disease can play an important role in preventing swollen ankles. Both these organs have a significant role in regulating your blood pressure and maintaining the correct balance of liquids and minerals in your body.
Making some changes to your lifestyle may help improve your symptoms and reduce the swelling in your feet. If you notice your ankles are swollen, you should try to avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time. You may want to consider not wearing shoes or socks that are too tight.
If your ankles are swollen, you may also want to consider:
losing weight if overweight
exercising regularly to improve your blood flow
eating a healthy diet that is low in salt to avoid water retention
wearing wide, comfortable shoes
raising your feet when you can
When should you speak with a doctor?
Consider speaking with a doctor if you experience ankle swelling for a few days without any improvement or if the swelling is getting worse.
You should consider visiting a doctor as soon as possible if:
One or both ankles are swollen.
You feel pain from the swelling.
There is redness in the swollen area.
You have a high fever.
It is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible if you have diabetes.
You must seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Certain medications, like calcium channel blockers and steroids, may cause swollen ankles, due to salt and water retention. Other types of drugs, such as anticancer medications and antidepressants, may result in fluid leaking into your body and building up in your lower limbs, such as your ankles.
Several natural remedies can help reduce the swelling in your ankle, such as:
eating a diet low in salt
exercising regularly
raising your legs so that they are above your heart
A doctor may prescribe diuretics to help you flush the excess fluid. They may also recommend some changes in the dosage of the medication you are taking if they suspect they may be the cause of the swelling.
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