Foot, leg, and ankle swelling

Definition

Alternative Names

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.

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)

References

Cho S. Peripheral edema. Am J Med. 2002; 113(7): 580-586.

Schroeder BM. ACOG practice bulletin on diagnosing and managing preeclampsia and eclampsia. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Am Fam Physician. 2002; 66(2): 330-331.