Swollen Ankles and Feet

People often notice puffiness, shoes feeling tighter, or heaviness in the feet and ankles.

Types of Swollen Feet

• Pitting Edema: Pressing the skin leaves a temporary Dip.
• Non-pitting Edema: Skin returns to normal without indentation.
• Unilateral Swelling: Affects one foot or ankle.
• Bilateral Swelling: Affects both feet and is often associated with systemic conditions.

What Causes Swollen Feet?

Swelling in the ankles and feet is common. The causes of swollen feet cause varies widely. Some of the most frequent reasons for swollen feet include:

• Standing or walking for extended periods
• Excess body weight, which reduces circulation and increases fluid buildup
• Normal swelling during pregnancy
• Medications that cause water retention
• Foot or ankle injuries, such as sprains or fractures
• Local or systemic infections, like cellulitis
• Lymphatic blockage (lymphedema)
• Blocked or weakened veins that leak fluid into tissues
• Venous insufficiency leads to blood clots in the legs.
• Preeclampsia during pregnancy
• Liver cirrhosis
• Pericarditis (inflammation around the heart)
• Poor blood circulation in swollen feet in diabetes

Understanding what causes swollen feet helps determine if the swelling is temporary or a sign of a severe underlying health disorder, guiding when to seek medical care.

Conditions That Cause Swollen Feet

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• Hypothyroidism
• Lymphedema
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Gout
• Nephrotic Syndrome
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency
• Blood Clots in the Legs

Related Symptoms of Swollen Feet

Standard swollen feet symptoms may include:

• Warmth, redness, or tenderness
• Pain or discomfort in the feet and legs
• Difficulty walking
• Shiny or stretched skin
• Numbness or tingling
• Ulcers or blisters
• Fatigue or breathlessness (in systemic causes)

When to Visit a Doctor

Some cases of swollen feet and ankles require urgent medical attention. Get help immediately if swelling is accompanied by:

• Unexplained painful leg swelling
• Fever with swelling
• New swelling during pregnancy
• Swelling in only one limb
• Pitting edema
• Skin breakdown or open sores
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or tightness

If swelling persists, consult specialists at Medicover Hospitals for an accurate diagnosis and personalized care.

How Are Swollen Feet Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose swollen feet and ankles through physical examination and may recommend:

• Blood tests
• X-rays or chest imaging
• Doppler ultrasound
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Urine analysis

Minor swelling may be managed at home, while medically related swelling requires treatment of the underlying cause.

Swollen Feet Treatment & Management

Treatment for swollen feet depends on the cause. Simple measures such as elevating the legs or moving frequently during the day can help reduce swelling.

Other treatments may include:

• Antibiotics for infections
• Splints or bandages for injuries
• Medications for conditions like heart failure or gout

Our Vascular and Orthopedic Specialists provide expert care for chronic swelling in the feet and legs, ensuring advanced evaluation and targeted treatment.

Prevention Tips

• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay physically active.
• Control blood pressure and blood sugar
• Limit salt intake
• Wear comfortable footwear

Home Remedies for Swollen Feet

Mild swelling often improves with self-care. Effective home remedies for swollen feet include:

• Drinking 8–10 glasses of water daily
• Wearing compression stockings (if advised)
• Soaking feet in cool Epsom salt water
• Elevating feet while resting
• Eating magnesium-rich foods
• Reducing salt intake.
• Maintaining ideal body weight
• Gentle massage to improve circulation
• Increasing potassium-rich foods

Lifestyle Changes

• Follow a balanced, low-sodium diet
• Exercise regularly (walking, swimming, cycling)
• Keep blood sugar under control
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Use compression socks when recommended
• Take short movement breaks during long working hours