Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem,
particularly in older people. Most of the time swelling can be
relieved by elevating the legs above the heart while lying down and
avoiding sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods
of time. Although swelling of the feet and ankles can be a minor
problem, it can also be an indication of more serious illnesses
such as heart failure, renal failure, or liver failure.
Review Date: 12/01/2009
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW,
David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD,
Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of
Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine (5/21/2009).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
