Foot, leg, and ankle swelling

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Foot swelling

Lower leg edema

Overview

Treatment

Foot, leg, and ankle swelling

Alternative Names:

Swelling of the ankles - feet - legs; Ankle swelling; Foot swelling; Leg swelling; Edema - peripheral, Peripheral edema
Home Care:

Elevate your legs above your heart while lying down.
Exercise your legs. This helps pump fluid from your legs back to your heart.
Wear support stockings (sold at most drug and medical supply stores).
Try to follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid retention and swelling.

Call your health care provider if:

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Call 911 if:

You feel short of breath.
You have chest pain, especially if it feels like pressure or tightness.

Call your doctor right away if:

You have decreased urine output.
You have a history of liver disease and now have swelling in your legs or abdomen.
Your swollen foot or leg is red or warm to the touch.
You have a fever.
You are pregnant and have more than just mild swelling or have a sudden increase in swelling.

Also call your doctor if self care measures do not help or swelling worsens.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your doctor will take a medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination, with special attention to your heart, lungs, abdomen, legs, and feet.

Your doctor will ask questions like the following:

What specific body parts swell? Your ankles, feet, legs? Above the knee or below?
Do you have swelling at all times or is it worse in the morning or the evening?
What makes your swelling better?
What makes your swelling worse?
Does the swelling get better when you elevate your legs?
What other symptoms do you have?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

Blood tests such as a CBC or blood chemistry
ECG
Chest x-ray or extremity x-ray
Urinalysis

The specific treatment will be directed at whatever underlying cause is found. Diuretics may be prescribed. These are effective in reducing the swelling but have some side effects. Home treatment for benign causes of leg swelling should be tried before drug therapy under medical supervision.
Prevention:

Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. When flying, stretch your legs often and get up to walk when possible. When driving, stop to stretch and walk every hour or so. Avoid wearing restrictive clothing or garters around your thighs. Exercise regularly. Lose weight if you need to.

References:

Cho S. Peripheral edema. Am J Med. 2002; 113(7): 580-586.

Schroeder BM. ACOG practice bulletin on diagnosing and managing preeclampsia and eclampsia. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Am Fam Physician. 2002; 66(2): 330-331.