Foot and ankle swelling

Swollen ankles and feet are common and usually not a sign of a serious condition, especially if you’ve been standing or sitting for hours. As constant swelling of the feet and ankles may be a sign of a serious heart, liver or kidney disease, it should be checked by a medical practitioner. Sudden swelling may be a sign of a serious blood clot in the leg veins. Many medications can cause swelling in the feet and ankles as a side-effect.

The feet are particularly susceptible to swelling because of the effects of gravity and the long distance fluid has to travel back to your heart through your veins and lymphatic vessels. Especially with prolonged sitting.

The movement of this fluid is dependent on the muscles squeezing these vessels during movement, or the pumping action of your breathing when you're at rest. These vessels pass through a number of muscles in the leg and thigh. Sustained tension of these muscles constricts the vessels, blocking movement of fluid leading to swelling. Poor breathing habits can also lead to sluggish movement of fluid.

Feet swelling is often an early sign of poor drainage of blood through your veins. Your veins carry used blood and waste products back to your liver and heart. Chronic pooling of blood around the feet, ankles and lower legs (venous insufficiency) can lead to skin changes (discolouration and scaling), skin ulcers, and infection. Your lymph carries your immune cells that protect you against foreign invaders such as bacteria. Lymph build-up (lymphedema) can also impair wound healing and also lead to infection.