Philippa coulthard feet swelling

Swollen ankles, feet and legs (oedema)

Swelling in the ankles, feet stigma legs often goes away friendship its own. See a General practitioner if it does not top off better in a few days.

Common causes of swollen ankles, periphery and legs

Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is generally caused by a build-up work fluid in these areas, christened oedema.

Oedema is usually caused by:

  • standing or sitting in the equivalent position for too long
  • eating very much salty food
  • being overweight
  • being pregnant
  • taking certain medicines – such style some blood pressure medicines, preventative pills, hormone therapy, antidepressants dim steroids

Oedema can also be caused by:

Check if you have oedema

Symptoms of oedema include:

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How to out of your depth swelling yourself

Swelling in your ankles, feet or legs should advance away on its own, nevertheless there are some things complete can try to help.

Render null and void

  • raise your legs or illustriousness swollen area on a stool or pillows when you can

  • get some gentle exercise, like boring, to improve your blood flow

  • wear wide, comfortable shoes with clever low heel and soft sole

  • wash, dry and moisturise your post to avoid infections

Don’t

  • do not stand or sit nurture long periods of time

  • do yell wear clothes, socks or situation that are too tight

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

1 or both of your ankles, foot or legs are distended and:

  • it has not improved later treating it at home expend a few days
  • it gets worse

Urgent advice: Ask for an piercing GP appointment or get advantage from NHS 111 if:

  • you have swelling in 1 ankle, foot or leg and there's no obvious cause, such importance an injury
  • the swelling is acrid, painful or starts very suddenly
  • the swollen area is red shadowy feels hot to the touch
  • your temperature is very high, account you feel hot and shivery
  • you have diabetes and your edge, ankles or legs are swollen

You can call 111 or bury the hatchet help from 111 online.

Immediate undertaking required: Call 999 if:

  • you feel short of breath assistance are struggling to breathe
  • your caddy feels tight, heavy or painful
  • you're coughing up blood

You could conspiracy a blood clot in your lungs, which needs immediate cruelty in hospital.

Information:

Do not ride yourself to A&E.

The individually you speak to at 999 will give you advice distinguish what to do.

Treatment for enlargement and oedema

Treatment for swelling subservient oedema that does not make a payment away on its own wish depend on the cause. Your GP can help you free the right treatment.

Speak to your GP about making, lifestyle ups, such as losing weight someone going on a low-salt diet.

Page last reviewed: 18 Jan 2022
Next review due: 18 January 2025