Swollen ankles, feet and legs (oedema)

Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema. Oedema is usually caused by: standing or sitting in the same position for too long eating too much salty food being overweight being pregnant taking certain medicines – such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, hormone therapy, antidepressants or steroids varicose veins thyroid problems Oedema can also be caused by: an injury – such as a strain or sprain an insect bite or sting problems with your kidneys, liver or heart a blood clot an infection

Symptoms of oedema in the ankles, feet and legs can affect 1 or both legs and may include: Swollen or puffy ankles, feet or legs. Credit: CaptureIt / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-swollen-puffy-feet-toes-and-ankles-of-adult-female-woman-after-an-16909905.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=BDF21AF8-3C21-44B4-996A-B05115785B6B&p=61997&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3Dbar%26st%3D0%26sortby%3D2%26qt%3DAXT1NP%26qt_raw%3DAXT1NP%26qn%3D%26lic%3D3%26edrf%3D1%26mr%3D0%26pr%3D0%26aoa%3D1%26creative%3D%26videos%3D%26nu%3D%26ccc%3D%26bespoke%3D%26apalib%3D%26ag%3D0%26hc%3D0%26et%3D0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3D0%26loc%3D0%26ot%3D0%26imgt%3D0%26dtfr%3D%26dtto%3D%26size%3D0xFF%26blackwhite%3D%26cutout%3D%26archive%3D1%26name%3D%26groupid%3D%26pseudoid%3D32846%26userid%3D%26id%3D%26a%3D%26xstx%3D0%26cbstore%3D1%26resultview%3DsortbyPopular%26lightbox%3D%26gname%3D%26gtype%3D%26apalic%3D%26tbar%3D1%26pc%3D%26simid%3D%26cap%3D1%26customgeoip%3D%26vd%3D0%26cid%3D%26pe%3D%26so%3D%26lb%3D%26pl%3D0%26plno%3D%26fi%3D0%26langcode%3Den%26upl%3D0%26cufr%3D%26cuto%3D%26howler%3D%26cvrem%3D0%26cvtype%3D0%26cvloc%3D0%26cl%3D0%26upfr%3D%26upto%3D%26primcat%3D%26seccat%3D%26cvcategory%3D*%26restriction%3D%26random%3D%26ispremium%3D1%26flip%3D0%26contributorqt%3D%26plgalleryno%3D%26plpublic%3D0%26viewaspublic%3D0%26isplcurate%3D0%26imageurl%3D%26saveQry%3D%26editorial%3D1%26t%3D0%26edoptin%3D Shiny or stretched skin. Credit: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/260060/view Changes in skin colour, dry skin, discomfort, stiffness and dents when you press on the skin.

Swelling in your ankles, feet or legs should go away on its own, but there are some things you can try to help. Do raise your legs or the swollen area on a chair or pillows when you can get some gentle exercise, like walking, to improve your blood flow wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole wash, dry and moisturise your feet to avoid infections Don’t do not stand or sit for long periods of time do not wear clothes, socks or shoes that are too tight

Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause. Your GP can help you with the right treatment. Speak to your GP about whether making lifestyle changes could help.