edema – foot swelling, shins and ankles: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Foot, leg, and ankle swelling; Swelling of the ankles – feet – legs; Ankle swelling; Foot swelling; Leg swelling; Edema – peripheral; Peripheral edema

Foot swelling, shins and ankles, also known as edema, is an accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the lower extremities. This can lead to, that the affected area will swell and swell. Swelling may occur in one or both legs and may range from mild to severe.

Edema can affect both legs, as well as calves or even thighs. The action of gravity makes swelling most noticeable in the lower body.

Causes of swelling of the feet, shins and ankles (edema)

Causes of swelling of the feet, shins and ankles can be different. Some common reasons include:

• Sitting or standing for a long time
• Pregnancy
• Phlebeurysm
• Obesity
• Heart disease, liver or kidney problems
• Some medications
• Injury or trauma
• Blood clots

Foot swelling symptoms, shins and ankles (edema)

Foot swelling symptoms, shins and ankles may include:

• Swelling in the affected area
• Feeling of tightness or heaviness in the legs
• Pitting (dent in the skin when pressed).
• Livor
• Pain in the affected area

Foot edema diagnostics, shins and ankles (edema)

To diagnose edema, the doctor will conduct a medical examination, may also order additional tests., such as blood tests, ultrasound or computed tomography. The diagnosis will also take into account any underlying medical conditions, that the patient may have.

Foot swelling treatment, shins and ankles (edema)

Foot swelling treatment, shins and ankles will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:

• Elevation of the affected limb (limbs)
• Wearing compression stockings
• Taking diuretics (diuretic pills)
• Applying a cold compress
• Salt restriction

In more severe cases, treatment may also include surgery or other medical procedures..

Prevention of foot edema, shins and ankles (edema)

Prevention of foot edema, shins and ankles may include:

• Regular workouts
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Salt restriction
• Wearing compression stockings
• Take frequent breaks, when sitting or standing for a long period of time
• Wearing comfortable shoes, which sits well
• Keep your legs elevated, when sitting or lying

It is important to note, that swelling may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as heart failure, kidney disease or venous insufficiency. so, if you experience foot swelling, shins or ankles, and it doesn't go away after a few days, it is important to consult a doctor. The healthcare professional will be able to determine the underlying cause of the swelling and provide an appropriate treatment and management plan.

Used literature and sources

Magee DJ, Manx RC. Lower leg, ankle, and foot. Magee DJ, Manx RC, eds. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 7th ed. St Louis MO: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.

Quick CRG, Biers SM, Arulampalam THA. Pathophysiology, clinical features and disgnosis of vascular disease affecting the limbs. In: Quick CRG, Biers SM, Arulampalam THA, eds. Essential Surgery: Problems, Diagnosis and Management. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 40.

Seller RH, Symons AB. Swelling of the legs. In: Seller RH, Symons AB, eds. Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 31.