Why do ankles swell? How can you prevent it?

If your ankles tend to swell by the end of the day, it may be more than just an annoyance—it could be your body signaling a deeper issue.

Experts from the Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Medical School note that ankle swelling—technically called peripheral edema—can result from simple lifestyle choices or more serious medical conditions. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

What Is Edema, and Why Do Ankles Swell?

Swelling in the ankles is typically caused by fluid accumulating in the body’s tissues, a condition known as edema.

Because of gravity, the feet and ankles are particularly vulnerable, especially after long periods of sitting or standing. In such cases, blood circulation slows, and the lymphatic system may struggle to remove excess fluid efficiently.