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Medical Health Encyclopedia
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Foot swelling
Foot swelling
Lower leg edema
Lower leg edema


Foot, leg, and ankle swelling

Alternative Names:
Swelling of the ankles - feet - legs; Ankle swelling; Foot swelling; Leg swelling; Edema - peripheral, Peripheral edema

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.


Call your health care provider if:

Call 911 if:

  • You feel short of breath.
  • You have chest pain, especially if it feels like pressure or tightness.
Text Continues Below



Call your doctor right away if:

  • You have decreased urine output.
  • You have a history of liver disease and now have swelling in your legs or abdomen.
  • Your swollen foot or leg is red or warm to the touch.
  • You have a fever.
  • You are pregnant and have more than just mild swelling or have a sudden increase in swelling.

Also call your doctor if self care measures do not help or swelling worsens.



What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your doctor will take a medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination, with special attention to your heart, lungs, abdomen, legs, and feet.

Your doctor will ask questions like the following:

  • What specific body parts swell? Your ankles, feet, legs? Above the knee or below?
  • Do you have swelling at all times or is it worse in the morning or the evening?
  • What makes your swelling better?
  • What makes your swelling worse?
  • Does the swelling get better when you elevate your legs?
  • What other symptoms do you have?

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