When should you see a doctor about swollen ankles?

Swollen ankles occur when fluid collects in the tissues around the feet and lower legs. Standing for long periods, heat, an injury, some medicines, and varicose veins can contribute. Obesity may increase pressure on the lower limbs. Heart failure or chronic kidney disease can cause swelling in both ankles, often with other changes such as breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, or changes in urine. Deep vein thrombosis more often causes swelling, warmth, or pain in one leg and needs prompt assessment.

Notice whether one or both ankles are swollen and whether the skin is red, warm, tight, or painful. Record when it started, recent travel or immobility, injury, new medicines, and any breathlessness. Elevating the legs during rest and gentle movement may be reasonable for mild swelling, but do not massage a painful one-sided swollen leg before medical advice.

Seek emergency help for ankle or leg swelling with sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, or severe weakness. Get prompt assessment for new one-sided swelling, warmth, redness, or calf pain. Arrange a medical appointment for swelling that keeps returning, does not settle, affects both legs, or occurs with reduced urine, rapid weight change, or increasing breathlessness.

Ask what may be causing the swelling, whether blood or urine tests are needed, and whether any medicine could contribute. Tell the clinician about heart, kidney, or vein problems, recent immobility, injury, pregnancy, and changes in breathing or urination.