What should you know about constant swollen ankles?

Ankle swelling, also called oedema, happens when fluid collects in tissues. Sitting or standing for long periods, heat, reduced movement and a high-salt diet can contribute. Varicose Veins may slow the return of blood from the legs and cause heaviness that worsens by evening. Obesity can increase pressure on leg veins. Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Failure can cause wider fluid retention, often with changes in urine, breathlessness, fatigue or rapid body swelling. One-sided swelling may have a local cause and needs careful assessment.

Notice whether both ankles are affected, whether swelling changes during the day, and whether the skin is painful, warm, red or leaking fluid. Walk gently if comfortable, avoid sitting still for long periods, and raise the legs when resting. Wear comfortable footwear and protect swollen skin from cuts. Do not start water tablets, compression garments or major salt changes without advice, particularly if you have heart, kidney or circulation problems. Review medicines with a clinician because some can contribute to swelling.

Seek urgent help for sudden swelling in one leg, calf pain, warmth or redness, especially with breathlessness or chest pain. Prompt assessment is needed for rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, fever, skin breakdown, new breathlessness when lying down, fainting, confusion or a major reduction in urine. Persistent swelling without these signs still warrants a GP review to identify the cause.

Ask whether your swelling is more consistent with vein-related pooling, fluid retention, a medicine effect or another cause. Ask what examination or blood tests may help, whether compression is suitable, and which changes should prompt urgent care. Bring a medicine list and note breathlessness, urine changes and daily swelling patterns.