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Swelling in the legs, ankles, or body (edema)

Also called: Edema, swelling, fluid retention, swollen ankles, swollen feet

Swelling from extra fluid in the body's tissues, most often in the feet, ankles, and legs. Mild swelling is common, but it can also be a sign of heart, kidney, liver, or vein problems.

TypeA symptom
Common placesFeet, ankles, legs
Get checkedNew swelling in both legs or one leg

Overview

Fluid can build up from standing or sitting a long time, heat, pregnancy, salty food, or medicines like some blood pressure pills.

Swelling in both legs can point to heart, kidney, or liver problems. Swelling in one leg can be a blood clot.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Swollen ankles, feet, or both legs
  • Skin that dents when pressed

Less common

  • Tight shoes or rings
  • Weight gain over days

When to get medical care

Call 911Swelling with shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up pink froth.
Get care todayOne leg that's swollen, red, warm, and painful, or swelling with little urine.
See a doctor soonNew swelling in both legs, or swelling that doesn't go down overnight.

Causes

Long standing or sitting, heat, pregnancy, salt, medicines, vein problems, heart failure, and kidney or liver disease.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Older age
  • Pregnancy
  • Heart, kidney, or liver disease

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional finds the cause.

Questions you may be asked

  • One leg or both
  • Shortness of breath
  • Medicines

The exam

Pressing on the skin to see if it leaves a dent, and checking heart, lungs, and belly.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Blood and urine tests: Kidney, liver, and heart.
  • Ultrasound: To check for a blood clot.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause.

Self-care

  • Raise your legs above heart level
  • Move around: walk and flex your ankles
  • Eat less salt
  • Try compression stockings if your doctor agrees

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Water pills (prescription)
Fluid from heart or kidney problemsNeed blood test checks.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Don't take water pills unless prescribed.

Prevention

To prevent swelling:

  • Move often on long trips
  • Limit salt

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Pregnancy: Sudden swelling of the face or hands with headache can be preeclampsia; get care right away.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Swelling often improves when the cause is found and treated.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • List of medicines
  • Daily weights if you have heart failure

Questions to ask

  • What's causing the swelling?
  • Should I take a water pill?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Swelling in the legs, ankles, or body (edema)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.