The shrinking of the Dead Sea is due to the diversion of water from the Jordan River (which feeds the Dead Sea) and mineral mining from its waters in the south, according to LiveScience. And the shrinking is happening at an alarming rateâthe surface level is dropping more than three feet a year.
Injury or surgery involving the leg, ankle, or foot can also cause swelling. Swelling may also occur after pelvic surgery, especially for cancer. Long airplane flights or car rides, as well as standing for long periods of time, often lead to some swelling in the feet and ankles.
Venous insufficiency. A venous insufficiency can cause the ankles and feet to swell. This means that blood is not flowing efficiently from the legs to the heart because the upward valves has become damaged or are growing weaker, which allows the blood to flow back down the leg.