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.
Swelling of the ankle on one side is often a result of sprains or strains. Sometimes diseases that affect the entire body, such as heart disease and kidney or liver failure, can result in excess fluid buildup that is often concentrated in the legs and feet, leading to swelling not only of the ankles but also of the feet and lower legs.