Swollen Feet and Ankles: Causes and When to Worry
A 62-year-old retired bank clerk. Let us call her Santilata; she is not a real patient, but I see someone like her every week. By evening her ankles are puffy and her slippers feel tight. By morning the swelling has gone down. Last week, though, one calf became more swollen than the other, and it ached. Her son asks: "Doctor, is this a heart problem, a kidney problem, or just age?" The answer depends on a few simple clues: is it one leg or both, did it come on suddenly or slowly, and is there pain, redness or breathlessness? One swollen, painful calf needs prompt checking for a clot. Here is how doctors work it out. If you've ever glanced down at your feet after a long day and noticed they're puffier than usual, you're not alone. Foot and ankle swelling, also known as edema, is a common issue that can range from a minor annoyance to a signal of something more serious. Whether you're a patient worried about those swollen ankles or a clinician seeking a quick r...