Swollen ankles, feet and legs (oedema)

Common causes of swollen ankles, feet and legs include being overweight, pregnancy, eating too much salty food and standing or sitting for too long.

Symptoms of oedema include swollen, shiny or stretched skin around your ankles, feet or legs.

To reduce swelling in your ankles, feet or legs, raise them up on a chair or pillows when sitting and avoid standing or sitting for long periods.

Treatment for swollen ankles, feet and legs depends on the cause. It might include changing your diet or losing weight.

Swollen ankles, feet and legs are often caused by a build-up of fluid called oedema. It often goes away on its own but see a GP it does not improve.