Swollen Ankles After Walking? Here's What Might Be Going On

Are Your Ankles Puffy, Achy or Tight After a Walk?

If you’ve noticed your ankles swelling after walking—even short distances—you’re not imagining it. This is a common issue we see at Coventry Foot Doctor, and it can have several underlying causes.

Sometimes it’s something mild and temporary. Other times, swollen ankles can be a sign of something more serious going on with your joints, tendons, or circulation.

Let’s break it down so you can understand what your body might be trying to tell you—and what to do next.

First, What Does Swelling Actually Mean?

Swelling happens when fluid builds up in the soft tissues of your ankle and lower leg. It can feel:

• Puffy or tight

• Achy or tender

• Warm to the touch

• Worse after being on your feet

• Sometimes discoloured or red

Occasional swelling may not be serious, but if it keeps happening, or it’s getting worse, it's time to get it checked out.

Common Causes of Swollen Ankles After Walking

Here are the most common reasons we see in clinic:

1. Tendonitis

If you’ve strained the tendons in your foot or ankle (like the Achilles tendon), you may get inflammation that leads to swelling.

• Usually caused by overuse or poor footwear

• Pain often increases with movement or activity

• Might feel stiff in the morning or after rest

2. Arthritis

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the ankle joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling—especially after walking or standing.

• Common in older adults or those with a history of joint pain

• Might notice limited movement or a grinding feeling

• Often worse at the end of the day

3. Poor Circulation or Fluid Retention

Sometimes your veins aren’t working efficiently to return blood to the heart, especially after movement. This leads to fluid pooling in the lower legs and ankles.

• Swelling often affects both ankles

• May feel heavy, tired, or “tight” in the legs

• More noticeable after long walks or standing

4. Injury or Overuse

You might not realise you’ve strained something—especially if you're walking on uneven ground or wearing unsupportive shoes.

• Swelling may appear suddenly after a twist or misstep

• Could be tender, bruised, or painful to touch

• Might feel better with rest, worse with movement

5. Medication or Health Conditions

Swelling can be linked to certain medications or conditions like:

• High blood pressure

• Heart or kidney problems

• Diabetes

• Hormonal changes

What You Can Try at Home

If the swelling is mild or new, here are a few simple things that might help:

• Rest and Ice – Elevate your foot and apply a cold pack

• Compression Socks – Can improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup

• Supportive Footwear – Avoid flat, unsupportive shoes or worn-out trainers

• Gentle Massage – Can help move fluid and reduce discomfort

• Stay Hydrated – Helps your body flush out excess fluid

If swelling continues or worsens, it’s time to get it checked out properly.

How Coventry Foot Doctor Can Help

We specialise in identifying and treating the root cause of foot and ankle problems.

Here’s what we offer:

• Detailed Assessment – We look at your walking pattern, joint health, and circulation

• Accurate Diagnosis – From arthritis to tendonitis, we’ll find out what’s behind the swelling

• Tailored Treatment Plan – Including exercises, orthotics, footwear advice, or referrals if needed

• Ongoing Support – Especially important for patients with diabetes or circulation issues

Our goal is to help you move comfortably, without pain or puffiness holding you back.

Don't Let Swollen Ankles Slow You Down

You don’t have to “just live with it.” Swollen ankles are your body’s way of saying something needs attention—and we’re here to help you figure out what that is.

Book Your Appointment Today

If walking is causing ankle swelling or discomfort, let’s find out why—and fix it.
Contact us at Coventry Foot Doctor to book your consultation and start feeling better, step by step.