Ankle, feet, and leg swelling

Alternative names:

ankle swelling; edema, peripheral; foot swelling; leg swelling; peripheral edema; swelling of the ankle, feet, or leg

Definition:

Abnormal build-up of fluids in ankle and leg tissues. See also swelling, overall.

Considerations:

Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, particularly in older people. It may affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs. Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in the lower legs.

When squeezed, the fluid will move out of the affected area and may leave a deep impression for a few moments.

Swelling of the legs is many times related to systemic causes (for example, heart failure, renal failure, or liver failure).

Common causes:

• long airplane flights or automobile rides
• menstrual periods (for some women)
• sunburn
• generalized allergy
• prolonged standing
• injury or trauma to the ankle or foot
• venous insufficiency (varicose veins)
• pregnancy (mild to severe swelling)
• environmental
  • burns
  • insect bite or sting
  • starvation or malnutrition

• medical treatments
  • body fluid overload
  • infiltration of an IV site
  • extremity surgery

• medications
  • estrogens and progestin oral contraceptives
  • blood pressure-lowering drugs
  • certain antidepressants (such as Nardil)
  • estrogen - oral
  • long-term corticosteroid therapy
  • nifedipine
  • testosterone

• diagnostic tests
  • venogram

• congestive heart failure
• glomerulonephritis

Note: There may be other causes of ankle, feet, and leg swelling. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as specific location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for ankle, feet, and leg swelling, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.