Swollen feet and ankles
Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs is often caused by fluid buildup (oedema). Fluid buildup can cause your legs to appear puffy, shiny, or stretched. It often goes away on its own but it’s reasonable to see your doctor if it does not improve after a few days or your symptoms are getting worse.
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What are the common causes of swollen feet or ankles?
Fluid buildup can be caused by lifestyle factors such as inactivity, standing for prolonged periods of time, being overweight, and having excess salt in your diet. You may find your lower legs also swell if you are pregnant. If you have an infection of your lower leg you can get swelling as a result of that, as well as in response to an insect bite or an injury.
Conditions affecting different organs such as the kidneys, lungs, and heart (like heart failure, kidney disease, or blood clots) can also cause oedema. Certain medications may lead to swelling as a side effect, such as the blood pressure medication amlodipine, steroid tablets, or contraceptive pills.
How can I manage my symptoms at home?
Addressing some simple lifestyle factors can be a good first step to help those of you who happen to get occasional swelling. Maintaining your fitness and activity levels, avoiding standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, avoiding tight clothing, and reducing your salt intake are all good places to start. You can try raising your legs when you are sitting down, this can be an effective way to reduce the pooling of fluid in your lower legs and improve swelling.
Pharmacy Treatments
When should I contact my doctor?
If your symptoms are not improving after a few days, or if you have any other symptoms accompanying the leg swelling you should speak with your doctor. The following symptoms would require an urgent appointment with your doctor or seeking prompt medical advice;
• if you develop swelling on one leg only without an obvious cause
• if you develop swelling with a tender, hard calf and find it difficult to walk
• if the swelling is very significant and painful, hot to touch, or red
• if you feel unwell in yourself with fevers, vomiting, or unwell
If you have any severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or heavy chest pain it is important to call the emergency services (999 in the UK), or attend your local emergency department straight away as this could be due to a blood clot requiring immediate treatment.
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