Check-up: Oedema

I’ve noticed my ankles and lower legs are swollen over the past few months. Should I be concerned about this?

Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, particularly among older people. Abnormal build-up of fluid in the ankles, feet and legs is called peripheral oedema.

Painless swelling may affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs. Because of the effects of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in the lower part of the body.

Swelling of the foot, leg and ankle can occur as a result of prolonged standing, immobility during travel, during menstrual periods or as a result of being overweight. Excessive swelling that occurs during pregnancy may be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a serious condition that includes high blood pressure. Lower-limb oedema can occur with increased age or as a result of injury or trauma to your ankle or foot. Swollen legs may be a sign of heart, kidney or liver failure.

Other conditions that can cause swelling to one or both legs include: blood clots, infection, venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Swelling in the legs can also occur after burns (including sunburn), following leg or foot surgery or as a result of a blockage of the lymph nodes in the leg (lymphoedema).

Certain medications can also cause your legs to swell. These include hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone, blood-pressure medicines called calcium channel blockers and steroids.

Certain types of antidepressant medications, including MAO inhibitors and tricyclics, can cause some swelling in the lower limbs.

Is there anything I can do about it myself?

Simple measures such as elevating your legs above the level of your heart while lying down may help reduce the swelling.

Try to exercise your legs – this will help pump fluid from your legs back to your heart.

You could try wearing support stockings that compress the oedema and encourage better fluid return to the heart.

Following a low salt diet may help reduce fluid retention and swelling. However, home remedies are not a substitute for a proper medical diagnosis.

In particular, if you feel short of breath or experience chest pain at the same time as a swollen limb, you should seek prompt medical advice.

If you notice a decrease in your urine output or your swollen leg is red or warm to the touch, you should contact your doctor right away.