There are many different problems as well as conditions which can cause water retention ankles. A few of these conditions include lifestyle hormones, especially in women, besides drugs or due to a serious medical condition. Once you are able to figure out what is causing your water retention ankles, you can work with your body in order to reduce it.
Some of the causes of water retention ankles include too much sodium intake. This is closely related to water retention as well as edema. Over consumption of salt is one of the leading causes of people retaining excess fluid.
Prolonged periods of standing will cause fluid to settle in the tissues which are present in the lower leg leading to water retention ankles. During periods of hot weather, the body is not very efficient at removing the fluid from its tissues. When burn injuries occur, the skin tends to react by retaining fluid, leading to localized swelling.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) also leads to edema in women, due to the rise and fall of hormone levels. Intake of the birth control pill or any kind oral contraceptives which include estrogen can lead to retention of fluid in some women. Hormones which are released in pregnancy encourage the body to hold onto excess fluid. Pregnant women, tend to retain a significant amount of sodium as well as water. Water retention ankles, leading to bloating and edema can occur in menopausal women during perimenopause as well as post menopause.
Inadequate intake of vitamin B1 (thiamine) is another cause of fluid retention. Vitamins B6 and B5 too assist in fluid dispersal. Low levels of protein (albumin) which are present in the bloodstream can also cause edema. Water retention and edema may be caused by drugs too, like high blood pressure medication as well as certain forms of steroid medications.