Swollen ankles, feet and legs (oedema)
Overview
Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs often goes away on its own. See a GP if it does not get better in a few days.
Symptoms
Symptoms of oedema include:
Causes
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 longeating too much salty foodbeing overweightbeing pregnanttaking certain medicines – such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, hormone therapy, antidepressants or steroids Oedema can also be caused by: an injury – such as astrain or sprainaninsect bite or stingproblems with your kidneys, liver or hearta blood clotan infection
Treatment
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 making, lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or going on a low-salt diet.