What causes swelling in the ankles and ankles?

What causes swelling in the ankles and ankles?

There are many different causes of swollen ankles. In most cases, swelling is due to injury or edema. The term edema means swelling due to the accumulation of excess fluid. It is particularly…

Why are my feet and ankles swollen during a heat wave?

Elevating the legs helps counter the effects of gravity on the feet, ankles and legs, facilitating normal blood and fluid flow. Brief walking and simple leg movements may also help ease the swelling. While swelling in the feet and ankles during a heat wave usually isn’t a major medical concern,…

What to do about swollen ankles, feet and legs?

Swollen or puffy ankles, feet or legs. Shiny, stretched or red skin. Swelling in your ankles, feet or legs should go away on its own, but there are some things you can try to help. It’s still important to get help from a GP if you need it.

What causes swelling in the ankles and feet during pregnancy?

Swelling in both ankles and feet during pregnancy is a common occurrence. It is caused by a combination of pregnancy hormones, the increased volume of fluid being carried in the blood vessels, and by the growing uterus, which places pressure on the veins that carry blood up from the legs.

How dangerous are swollen ankles?

Sudden swelling in the ankles can be a sign of preeclampsia, a dangerous condition that causes symptoms of high blood pressure, headache, sudden weight gain and blurred vision. The condition can be life threatening — seek immediate medical attention if you have these symptoms.

Why are my feet and ankles swelling so badly all of a sudden?

Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure. Kidney disease can also cause foot and ankle swelling. When kidneys are not functioning properly, fluid can build up in the body.

What is the best treatment for swollen ankle?

The best treatment for a swollen ankle that is caused by a sprain typically includes cold compresses, elevation above the heart level, a tight bandage, and rest. In most cases of edema , both ankles are swollen, along with the feet and lower legs.

Why do my ankles sometimes swell after drinking alcohol?

Alcohol also changes how your kidneys handle electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. As a result, your total body water is temporarily increased after drinking. This will manifest as an ankle swelling. However, this swelling will subside after a day or two if you are healthy and do not frequently consume large amounts of alcohol.

How to measure ankle swelling using a figure of 8?

Measurement of Ankle Joint Swelling Using a Figure of 8* PERRY S. ESTERSON,? MS, PT, ATC The method of measuring joint swelling in a figure of 8 has the following advantages: 1) being readily reproducible, 2) measuring swelling at the various sites of ankle sprains, and 3) requires only a tape measure and marking pen.

When to seek medical attention for swollen ankle?

If an injury prevents you from putting weight on your leg, this is also cause for concern. If you’re pregnant, seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms associated with preeclampsia or dangerously high blood pressure. These include: Seek medical attention if at-home treatments don’t help reduce swelling or if your discomfort increases.

There are many different causes of swollen ankles. In most cases, swelling is due to injury or edema. The term edema means swelling due to the accumulation of excess fluid. It is particularly…

What to do about swollen feet and ankles?

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.

Is it normal for your ankles to swell during pregnancy?

Swollen ankles are a common side effect of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body produces more blood and bodily fluids to support the developing fetus. Swelling is a common side effect of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It can affect the ankles, feet, legs, face, and hands. Slight swelling is normal and usually harmless.

When to see a doctor for swollen ankles?

If you have high blood pressure, you should be seeing a doctor for management, anyway; be sure to bring up the ankle swelling. A different medication or better control over your blood pressure may help. Certain types of uncontrolled heart disease can make ankles swell as well.

Can a swollen ankle be a sign of heart disease?

If you think your ankle is swollen for no reason, you may be incorrect. A heart, kidney, liver disease can cause the swelling of your ankle without any physical insult. If you have osteoarthritis, swelling of the ankle is a sign.

When to see a doctor about ankle swelling?

If you think your ankle is swollen for no reason, you may be incorrect. A heart, kidney, liver disease can cause the swelling of your ankle without any physical insult. If you have osteoarthritis, swelling of the ankle is a sign. It is important you see your doctor to be sure its nothing serious.

Is there a cure for swollen ankles and legs?

Although there is no cure for heart failure, there are many different treatment options. A doctor may prescribe diuretic medications and suggest monitoring and reducing fluid intake. Both of these treatments can help reduce swelling in the ankles and legs. 10. Chronic kidney disease

Why do my ankles swell every day?

Swollen ankles can have many causes. The most common cause is water retention, usually caused by a high salt intake. Many people also get swollen ankles if they are on their feet all day. Warm weather, traeling or sitting for long periods of time can also make your ankles swell.

What happens when your ankle swells?

A swollen ankle is a common condition in which the ankle becomes inflamed due to an overabundance of fluid in the soft tissues around the ankle. An ankle can also become swollen when the ligaments that keep it in place become overextended. Often resulting in pain and limiting mobility, almost anyone can suffer from a swollen ankle.

What causes sudden swollen ankles?

Common Causes of Swollen Ankles. The more common causes of swollen ankles include standing for extended periods of time, obesity, pregnancy (excess swelling can be a symptom of a serious condition known as toxemia and should be checked by a physician), injury to the ankle or foot, and menstrual periods.

Swollen ankles are a common side effect of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body produces more blood and bodily fluids to support the developing fetus. Swelling is a common side effect of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It can affect the ankles, feet, legs, face, and hands. Slight swelling is normal and usually harmless.

If you have high blood pressure, you should be seeing a doctor for management, anyway; be sure to bring up the ankle swelling. A different medication or better control over your blood pressure may help. Certain types of uncontrolled heart disease can make ankles swell as well.

What are the most common causes of a swollen ankle?

Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Swelling Trauma. The most common foot and ankle injuries that cause swelling include ankle sprains, torn tendons, and fractures. Arthritis. Arthritis, or joint inflammation, can cause localized swelling in the foot or ankle. Vein Problems. Blood Clot. Infection. Pregnancy. Medical Conditions. Medications.

Are swollen ankles a sign of high blood pressure?

When to see a doctor for swollen ankles and feet?

Gravity causes fluid to accumulate more in the feet and ankles, but fluid can also accumulate in the abdomen and chest. If your swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor right away. If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911.

How to get rid of a swollen ankle with no pain?

Home Remedies to Relieve Swollen Ankle No Pain 1. Magnesium Supplements. Taking magnesium supplements relieves and prevents swollen ankle (no pain). The recommended dose is 200mg two times a day. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor for the right dosage. 2. Turn to Yoga

What causes your ankles to swell?

Swollen ankles and swollen feet are common and are often caused by fluid retention, or oedema. The cause of the swelling can range from an injury to medical conditions. Seek medical advice if you are concerned about swollen feet or ankles.

What causes swollen ankle pain?

Swelling of the ankle on one side is often a result of sprains or strains . Sometimes diseases that affect the entire body, such as heart disease and kidney or liver failure, can result in excess fluid buildup ( edema) that is often concentrated in the legs and feet, leading to swelling not only of the ankles but also of the feet and lower legs.

What are the dangers of swollen legs?

In either situation, the blood clot can be life threatening. The main danger is the possibility that the blood clot will break free and damage another major organ while traveling through the blood stream. Water retention is one of the most common causes of swollen legs, but it usually causes both legs to swell.

Why do I have no pain in my ankle?

Short bouts of swollen ankle no pain are often reported by pregnant women. Generally, you don’t need to concern, but if it becomes consistent or excessive keep an eye on it – it could signal pre-eclampsia, causing high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Why are both my feet and ankles swollen?

Medical conditions that are known to cause swelling that affects both legs equally include heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and chronic sleep apnea, and complications of diabetes. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is also a well-known cause of swelling in the ankles and feet.

Does lisinopril cause swelling in both ankles?

Taking lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide with lithium can cause lithium toxicity. This may cause confusion, increased urination, thirst, or an irregular heart rate. Taking certain pain drugs with lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide may decrease your kidney function. This can cause swelling in your legs or problems with urination.

Your body may produce a hormone called relaxin during pregnancy. This hormone can cause the ligaments in your ankles and feet to relax and enlarge, which can cause swelling. If the swelling is gradual and is in your ankles and feet, you’re likely okay.

How old do you have to be to have swollen ankles?

Female, age 80 yrs old. Swollen ankles. One day while I was in a store, my feet started burning and were swollen. I looked down and they were red halfway up my leg—as if I had on red stockings. It would come and go and my feet felt like they were on fire. Any ideas as to what the problem is?

What are the causes of swollen ankles?

The most common causes of swollen ankle are: Lymphedema. Lymphedema refers to the collection of lymphatic fluid in the tissue which develops due to problems with the lymph vessels or following the removal of lymph nodes.

What to do about swollen ankles in elderly?

Skin that is more rigid, reddish, and possibly discolored or mottled (serious cases) If your case of ankle swelling is not due to any serious causes, simply relieving the pressure will be enough to decrease pain and swelling. Lifting your feet onto a sofa or chair can be a great option for swollen ankles in elderly treatment.

What to do for swelling ankles?

A heating pad can be applied to a swollen ankle. Elevating the ankle may help reduce swelling following an injury. Ice can help reduce swelling right after an ankle injury.

What to do if your ankles are swollen from high blood pressure?

Or, if your blood pressure is not fully controlled, your doctor may prescribe you a diuretic to help lower your blood pressure further and remove the excess fluid. You can help to reduce the swelling by sitting with your legs lifted up. This lets your blood flow more freely and should help reduce the swelling.

Why do I have blood in my ankle?

Sometimes infections can end up bringing more blood flow to an area in your body, and if you’ve infected your ankle in some way, you may find that increased blood flow manifests itself as a swollen ankle. As mentioned above, sometimes a swollen ankle is the result of an injury, the most common of which is a sprained ankle.

What can I do for swelling in my feet and ankles?

Here are some ideas that can help: Advertising Policy. Compression socks. Available at your local drug store, shoe store or online, compression socks provide pain relief and prevent fluid collection in your legs, ankles and feet.

What causes swelling on the bottom of the feet?

Causes of swollen feet can include: When fluid accumulates in tissues, it’s called edema. While edema usually resolves on its own, there are some home remedies that may reduce the swelling more quickly and increase your own comfort. Here are 10 to try.

What causes fluid to accumulate in feet and ankles?

Inadequate albumin production can lead to fluid leakage. Gravity causes fluid to accumulate more in the feet and ankles, but fluid can also accumulate in the abdomen and chest.

What causes swollen ankles and feet after pregnancy?

Sudden or excessive swelling, however, may be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition in which high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop after the 20th week of pregnancy.

What causes swelling in the arms and legs?

Lymphedema is a type of swelling that affects the soft tissues in the arms or legs, including the ankles. It is due to a buildup of a fluid called lymph. This is mainly composed of white blood cells, which help fight infection.

What foods reduce swelling?

Eat anti-inflammatory foods to stop swelling. Spicy chili peppers, fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and some herbs are known to reduce swelling. Ginger has been touted as an anti-inflammatory in Asia for centuries.

How to get rid of swollen feet and ankles?

The skin color with this swelling is often normal or slightly pale; indentation marks are slightly darker than the surrounding swollen tissue. Many individuals can simply position themselves on their backs, elevate their feet and ankles higher than their hearts, and after some time (often a few hours), the swelling may resolve completely.

Why are my feet and ankles swollen during pregnancy?

Among the many changes the body undergoes during pregnancy, swollen feet and ankles are perhaps the most common. This is mainly due to all of the extra blood and fluid a woman produces when expecting, which soften the body and help it expand as the baby grows, according to the American Pregnancy Association.

Swollen feet may be caused by infections and the accompanying inflammation. People with diabetic neuropathy or other nerve conditions of the feet are more prone to foot infections …

How do you relieve swollen feet?

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help with swelling and relieve pain. The most effective treatment for swollen feet is to elevate and rest the feet. Ice packs can be applied to feet to help bring the swelling down.

How do you stop ankle swelling?

Treating ankle swelling depends on the cause. For swollen ankles caused by prolonged standing, sitting or lying down with the legs elevated can provide relief from ankle edema . When ankle swelling is related to an injury, ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and resultant pain.

Are swollen ankles a sign of heart problem?

Sometimes swelling can indicate a problem such as heart, liver, or kidney disease . Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure. Kidney disease can also cause foot and ankle swelling. When kidneys don’t work properly, fluid can build up in the body.

Why does my ankle keep swelling and hurting?

Arthritis can affect the ankle and lead to swelling. Inflammation leads to pain, stiffness and ankle swelling that are the primary symptoms. Swelling in the ankles from arthritis is often the result of repeated trauma or previous fracture.

What foods cause swelling in feet and ankles?

Much like sodium, sugar is water retentive, which means the more sugar you consume, the more water it will retain and the more your ankles will swell. Some sources of sugar are obvious, like jams, candies, syrups, pies and waffles. But there are some foods that cause swelling in feetthat most of us aren’t aware of,…

Can swollen ankles be dangerous?

Painless Swelling can be Dangerous. Swelling of the feet and ankles, also known as Edema , is a cause of fluid buildup in the ankle tissues.

What can cause ankle swelling?

Swollen ankles and swollen feet are common and are often caused by fluid retention, or oedema. The cause of the swelling can range from an injury to medical conditions.

What causes a swollen ankle with no pain?

If you have moderate to severe issues with your heart, you may experience swollen ankles (no pain). This is caused by the inability of the heart to properly pump your blood. This condition also results in water being retained by the kidneys and edema of the feet, lower legs, and ankles.

If you think your ankle is swollen for no reason, you may be incorrect. A heart, kidney, liver disease can cause the swelling of your ankle without any physical insult. If you have osteoarthritis, swelling of the ankle is a sign. It is important you see your doctor to be sure its nothing serious.

Can a pregnancy cause swelling in the ankles?

Pregnancy and menstruation can cause ankle swelling. Please consult your OB/GYN for advice if you experience swelling under the above scenarios. When your veins are damaged and unable to pump blood back up to your heart, there are many things that can occur, including swelling in your ankles.

Although there is no cure for heart failure, there are many different treatment options. A doctor may prescribe diuretic medications and suggest monitoring and reducing fluid intake. Both of these treatments can help reduce swelling in the ankles and legs. 10. Chronic kidney disease

Is it normal for ankles to be swollen during pregnancy?

Pregnancy complications. Some swelling of the ankles and feet is normal during pregnancy. Sudden or excessive swelling, however, may be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition in which high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Why is sprained ankle still swollen after 2 weeks?

Whenever there is irritation within the joint, the synovium secrets excess fluid. A sprained ankle still swollen after 2 weeks indicates that irritation is still present. Outward swelling is a result of swollen soft tissue and the increased fluid within the joint itself.

How to tell if your ankles and feet are caused?

Sometimes swelling can indicate a problem such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure.

What causes painless swelling in feet and ankles?

Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, especially among older people. Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs can cause swelling. This fluid buildup and swelling is called edema. Painless swelling may affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs.

Why are my ankles swelling at night but OK in the morning?

Get help now: i have swollen ankles and my right leg i had a iregular heart beat 4 years ago i went and had a arterial abolation and every thing has been fine the swelling goes down over night i had a ultra sound for my heart and an akg about 3 weeks ago and every thi

Can a 29 year old ankle be swollen?

Ankle swelling: There are multiple possiblities for ankle swelling in a 29 year old. Your doctor can take a history and examine you and determine which are likely cau Read More

What can I do about swelling in my ankles?

Support stockings: Support stockings can prevent fluid accumulation in the ankles and legs. See your local foot doc for the correct size and pressure and an evaluation f Read More why are my feet and ankles swelling?

Can a blood clot cause swelling in one ankle?

If this happens, you will have swelling affecting only one ankle. The truth is, many factors can trigger leg, ankle and foot swelling. If you smoke, there is a possibility you already have a serious illness. Smoking is a major risk factor for the formation of blood clot in your veins.

Do you have round puffy pocket swelling right below your ankle?

Hi Dr. Chip. So, I am normally very ‘regular’. For me that means once in the am and once in the pm. For the past 2 weeks or so, I’ve been … read more my son has a round puffy pocket on the front of both of his feet just below the ankle.

How do I know if my ankle is swollen?

To check for swelling, the swollen area can be pressed and an indentation can be seen, along with other visual signs. Symptoms of swollen ankles or symptoms that may develop along with swollen ankles may include headaches, heart palpitations, puffy eyes, high blood pressure, weight gain, swollen wrists, and others.

How to bring swelling down on my ankle?

12 of the Most Powerful Ways to Reduce Swollen Legs, Ankles, and Feet Take a Magnesium Supplement. Something as simple as a magnesium deficiency can cause edema, and taking a supplement is sometimes all you really need. Tonic Water Soak. This sounds a bit strange, but for some reason soaking your feet and ankles in some cold or room temperature tonic water really helps with swelling. Massage. Splash Around.

What causes water to seep from legs and ankles?

As a result, fluid or water seeping from legs, feet, ankles, abdomen, and other areas of the body will manifest. Lung conditions: Congestive heart failure can sometimes cause fluid accumulation in the lungs—also called pulmonary edema. This can lead to shortness of breath.

Why does the bottom of my leg swell up?

Leg swelling isn’t always a sign of a heart or circulation problem. You may often experience swelling due to fluid buildup from being overweight, being inactive, after sitting or standing for a long time, or wearing tight stockings. Factors related to fluid buildup include: Leg swelling related to inflammation.

Why are my feet and ankles swollen when I Wake Up?

What if you have swollen feet and ankles?

Here are some ideas that can help: Compression socks. Available at your local drug store, shoe store or online, compression socks provide pain relief and prevent fluid collection in your legs, ankles and feet. Elevation. Prop your legs up on an ottoman to help decrease swelling. Exercise. Weight loss. Epsom salt. Magnesium supplements.

Should my whole foot swell when I sprain my ankle?

There are a few reasons why your foot has become swollen after you sprain your ankle. For one, the ligaments that are on the sides of your ankle that provide stability, and ares injured when you twist your ankle, attach to your foot. Torn ligaments in your ankle, for this reason, will lead to swelling and bruising in your foot.

Why are my ankles swollen suddenly?

Swelling of the ankles and feet is often an early symptom of venous insufficiency, a condition in which blood inadequately moves up the veins from the legs and feet up to the heart. Normally, the veins keep blood flowing upward with one-way valves.

How often does amlodipine cause ankle and foot swelling?

In our clinic, we usually see ankle or feet swelling when the treatment is a once a day dose of 10 mg, but some people have swelling in a dose of 5 mg. Nevertheless, most people do not have any edema or swelling at all on a high dose (10 mg).

Why do I have puffy ankles and feet?

Puffy ankles may be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney or heart disease. When a person experiences swelling of the ankles or feet, he should note whether other symptoms are present as well. Diabetes may cause puffy ankles when infection is present.

What are the symptoms of a twisted ankle?

Signs and Symptoms of Twisted Ankle. Some ankle sprain and twisted ankle may manifest serious pain and tear in the ankle of the person. Swelling and bruise are also signs of twisted ankle. The infected ankle is usually painful to press it or even touching it. You may also feel so much pain when you are trying to stand and to move.

Can a swollen leg be a symptom of something else?

Having ‘swollen legs’ is a symptom itself, but legs can be swollen in different ways. The clue to the cause (and therefore the treatment) may well be in the type of swelling. The swelling can be: One-sided or both-sided.

A person should see their doctor or healthcare provider if they experience any of the following symptoms in the legs and ankles: 1 sudden swelling 2 unexplained swelling 3 additional symptoms, including shortness of breath, fever, and pain

What causes swollen ankles and feet in elderly?

Let’s take a closer look at what causes swollen ankles and feet in the elderly, as well as the symptoms, complications, and treatments for edema. When taking a look at what causes swollen ankles and feet in the elderly, you can find a wide array of reasons. Edema in elderly legs can also be a sign of underlying health conditions. These include:

Gravity causes fluid to accumulate more in the feet and ankles, but fluid can also accumulate in the abdomen and chest. If your swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor right away. If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911.

What happens if you leave your ankles swollen?

When left untreated, your swollen ankles can become painful, make it difficult to walk, cause stiff joints, and stretch out the skin. To add to the frustration, all sorts of things can cause ankle swelling—from the not-so-concerning to the life-threatening.

What can one do to relieve a swollen ankle?

  • ankles and feet.
  • Elevation. Prop your legs up on an ottoman to help decrease swelling.
  • Exercise.
  • Weight loss.
  • Epsom salt.
  • Magnesium supplements.

    How do I get rid of all this swelling in my “ankles”?

    • Relax the legs.
    • or feet or putting compression socks can help people reduce swelling and help the blood circulation too.
    • Using ice.
    • Lie down on the ground and elevate the feet on a chair or pillow in order to support blood flow towards the torso.

      How long does a swollen ankle take to go down?

      About Ankle Swelling and Bruising . Typically, swelling will decrease within 48 hours. With more severe injuries, it may last longer. Swelling happens when inflammation occurs, and fluid builds up around the joint injury. After your ligaments have been torn and blood vessels rupture at the site, blood will start to flow and accumulate around the area.

      What causes your feet to be swollen all the time?

      What’s Causing My Swollen Feet? 1 Edema. 2 Pregnancy. 3 Alcohol. 4 Hot weather. 5 Lymphedema. 6 (more items)

      What causes swelling in feet and ankles during pregnancy?

      Sudden appearance of bilateral feet and ankle swelling during pregnancy (usually after 20 weeks) can be the first symptoms noticed in females with preeclampsia. Unilateral swelling of the foot or ankle usually has the same symptoms described above if the underlying cause is unilateral lymphedema, venous insufficiency or blood clots.

      What causes feet to swell and hurt so bad?

      Causes of Swelling on Top of Foot Infection and Diabetes. Swelling in the feet and ankles is sometimes a sign of infection.You are at a greater risk if you already have diabetic neuropathy or other nerve Rheumatoid Arthritis. This long-term condition causes swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Gout. Blood Clot. Venous Insufficiency. Complications of Pregnancy.

      What could be causing swollen calves, ankles and feet?

      What causes swelling on one side of the foot?

      1 skin that retains a dimple after you press it 2 stretched or broken skin in the affected area 3 pain and swelling that doesn’t get better 4 leg ulcerations or blisters 5 chest pain, pressure, or tightness 6 shortness of breath 7 swelling on only one side

      What are the possible reasons behind swollen feet or ankle?

      12 causes of swollen ankles Foot or ankle injury. A person may experience inflammation due to an injury on the ankle or foot. Cellulitis. Bacterial infections in the skin are called cellulitis. Medication side effect. Chronic venous insufficiency. Blood clots. Pregnancy. Preeclampsia. Lymphedema. Heart failure. Chronic kidney disease.

      What causes swelling on the left side of the ankle?

      Localized Causes Left Ankle Swelling Here are some common local causes for ankle swelling. In most cases, the ankle swelling may be restricted to one foot, however, it may affect both feet, if both the feet are involved. Injury, trauma or a hairline fracture can result in swelling of the leg.

      If you think your ankle is swollen for no reason, you may be incorrect. A heart, kidney, liver disease can cause the swelling of your ankle without any physical insult. If you have osteoarthritis, swelling of the ankle is a sign.

      How old do you have to be to have swelling in your legs?

      “That same woman might not have swelling until her 40s if she had remained childless. “Also, an athletic person of 60 might never have swelling in the legs, while a very obese person in their 20s might be having constant lower extremity swelling.

      What causes swelling of the feet and ankles?

      Get immediate medical care if you experience the following symptoms along with swollen feet: 1. Edema Edema is a common condition where excess fluid is trapped in your body’s tissue. This causes swelling and puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin in your feet, ankles, and legs. It can also affect your hands and arms.

      Female, age 80 yrs old. Swollen ankles. One day while I was in a store, my feet started burning and were swollen. I looked down and they were red halfway up my leg—as if I had on red stockings. It would come and go and my feet felt like they were on fire. Any ideas as to what the problem is?

      Why are my ankles so swollen during pregnancy?

      Swollen ankles are a common side effect of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body produces more blood and bodily fluids to support the developing fetus. Swelling is a common side effect of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It can affect the ankles, feet, legs, face, and hands.