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Definition
Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs is called peripheral edema.
Alternative Names
Swelling of the ankles - feet - legs; Ankle swelling; Foot swelling; Leg swelling; Edema - peripheral; Peripheral edema
Considerations
Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, particularly in older people. It may affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs. Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations.
Common Causes
Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is common with the following situations:
- Prolonged standing
- Long airplane flights or automobile rides
- Menstrual periods (for some women)
- Pregnancy -- excessive swelling may be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a serious condition sometimes called toxemia, that includes high blood pressure and swelling
- Being overweight
- Increased age
- Injury or trauma to your ankle or foot
Swollen legs may be a sign of heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure. In these conditions, there is too much fluid in the body.
Other conditions that can cause swelling to one or both legs include:
- Blood clot
- Leg infection
- Venous insufficiency (when the veins in your legs are unable to adequately pump blood back to the heart)
- Varicose veins
- Burns (including sunburn)
- Insect bite or sting
- Starvation or malnutrition
- Surgery to your leg or foot
Certain medications may also cause your legs to swell:
- Hormones like estrogen (in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy) and testosterone
- A group of blood pressure lowering drugs called calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, and verapamil)
- Steroids
- Antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors (such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine) and tricyclics (such as nortriptyline, desipramine, and amitriptyline)
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.
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Reviewer Info: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 05/17/2007 |
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