Swelling in the ankles and feet (oedema) happens when fluid builds up in the tissues. It is very common, especially in hot weather, pregnancy and in people who stand or sit for long periods.
Imagine finishing a long day and knowing whether your swollen ankles just need a rest with your feet up, or whether they are a sign to get checked tomorrow.
10 common causes
- Standing or sitting for long periods
- Hot weather
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight
- Varicose veins and weak veins; see varicose veins
- Injury, such as a sprain
- Some medicines: certain blood pressure tablets (such as amlodipine), steroids, some diabetes drugs and NSAIDs
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease; see early signs of kidney disease
- Liver disease and low protein levels
Get urgent help if one leg is suddenly swollen, painful, warm or red (possible blood clot), or if swelling comes with chest pain, breathlessness, or difficulty breathing when lying flat. In pregnancy, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet with headache or vision problems can be pre-eclampsia; contact your maternity service straight away.
What helps
- Raise your legs above heart level when resting
- Move regularly; flex your ankles when sitting
- Wear compression socks if suitable
- Reduce salt
- Keep a healthy weight
- Ask about your medicines if swelling started after a new prescription
See a health professional if
- Swelling does not go down overnight
- It keeps coming back or is getting worse
- You have a long-term condition such as heart, kidney or liver disease
- The skin is stretched, shiny, leaking or broken
“But swollen ankles are just from standing all day.”
Often they are, and they settle overnight. But swelling that does not go down, affects one leg only, or comes with breathlessness needs medical attention.
Your next step: Tonight, raise your legs for 20 minutes and note whether the swelling settles by morning.
Sources: NHS swollen ankles, feet and legs (oedema) guidance; NICE guidance on heart failure and deep vein thrombosis.
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