Bilateral ankle swelling after running without pain is usually a benign condition called exercise-induced edema. During running, blood flows heavily to the legs and some fluid shifts into the surrounding tissues due to gravity and increased pressure in the blood vessels. This is very common, especially with longer runs or in hot weather. If the swelling completely goes away after you rest, elevate your legs, and sleep â it is nothing to worry about. You can continue your workout. However, if the swelling persists even after a full night's rest, keeps worsening over time, or you develop any breathlessness, it should be evaluated as bilateral persistent ankle swelling can sometimes be a sign of heart,
kidney, or blood pressure issues.
Next Steps
After your runs, elevate your legs for 15-20 minutes and stay well hydrated. Wearing compression socks during running also helps. If swelling is present even without exercise or doesn't reduce fully overnight, see a doctor for an evaluation. Please consult me directly on Practo for a detailed evaluation.