If you look down and notice that your ankle is swollen, it is important that you not ignore it. While it could be harmless, there are also some serious medical conditions associated with swelling. Here are some potential causes for ankle swelling so you know whether or not immediate medical treatment is necessary.

You Injured the Ankle

A common reason to have a swollen ankle is due to an injury of the ankle or foot. If you recently fell down or started experiencing discomfort while going for your morning run, it might not just be regular pains. It could be that you sprained your ankle or got another ankle injury. You may notice some discomfort along with the swelling of the ankle. A good way to determine if it is from an injury is to compare it to your other ankle. If just one ankle is swollen, it is a little more likely due to an injury and not a medical condition. Try applying an ice pack to the ankle to see if it goes down. If not, it is time to see a podiatrist for further treatment.

You Have a More Serious Medical Condition

Ankles that suddenly swell up for no other obvious reason should be examined by a doctor right away. The reason is because it is sometimes associated with more serious medical conditions. For example, you might have very high blood pressure, which needs to be treated right away. It could also be more serious than that, such as being caused by congestive heart failure or heart disease. Another possible cause for ankle swelling is having kidney failure.

You Are Pregnant

While there are some serious reasons to have a swollen ankle, other cases are simply due to being pregnant. While this isn't necessarily an urgent matter, it is still a good idea to let your doctor know. During pregnancy, you might experience swelling of your ankles and feet regularly. It should be gradual, but if it comes on suddenly and is associated with discomfort, you might have preeclampsia and high blood pressure. In this case, let your doctor know about the swelling.

If you eat a diet that is very high in salt, the swelling might be due to bloating and not flushing your system enough. Try drinking more water and reducing your salt intake to see if it makes a difference. You can also get swelling in the ankles due to obesity. Regardless of the reason, it is a good idea to let your doctor know.