Swollen Ankles, Feet and Legs
Key facts
Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs is usually a build-up of fluid called oedema, and it often goes away on its own. The NHS treats one swollen leg very differently from two: swelling in both legs is normally a routine GP matter, but swelling in one leg that you cannot explain needs urgent advice, because it can be a blood clot.
Most often affects:People who stand or sit still for long periodsPeople who are pregnantPeople taking blood pressure medicines, the contraceptive pill, HRT, antidepressants or steroidsPeople with varicose veins
What commonly causes swollen ankles, feet and legs
- Standing or sitting in the same position for too long
- Eating too much salty food
- Being overweight
- Being pregnant — swelling that comes on gradually is normal and is not usually harmful
- Certain medicines — some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, hormone therapy, antidepressants or steroids. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without speaking to your GP first
- Varicose veins
- Thyroid problems
- An injury, such as a strain or sprain
- An insect bite or sting
- Problems with your kidneys, liver or heart
- A blood clot
- An infection
What helps at home
- Raise your legs, or the swollen area, on a chair or pillows whenever you can
- Get some gentle exercise, such as walking, to improve your blood flow
- Wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and a soft sole
- Wash, dry and moisturise your feet, to avoid infections
- Do not stand or sit for long periods of time
- Do not wear clothes, socks or shoes that are too tight
When to get help
These three levels are different. Getting the level right is the single most useful thing this page can do for you.
Non-urgent advice: see a GP if
- Both of your ankles, feet or legs are swollen, and it has not improved after treating it at home for a few days
- Both are swollen and the swelling is getting worse
- Both are swollen and you have been diagnosed with a condition affecting your heart, kidneys or leg veins
Urgent advice: ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if
- Only one ankle, foot or leg is swollen and you do not know what is causing it — one leg alone needs urgent advice, because it can be a blood clot
- You have a lot of swelling after an injury, or the swelling is getting worse
- The swelling is severe, painful, or starts very suddenly
- You also have swelling in other areas of your body, such as your face or tummy
- The swollen area is red, or feels hot to the touch
- Your temperature is very high, or you feel hot, cold or shivery
- You have diabetes and your feet, ankles or legs are swollen
- If you are pregnant, do not use 111 for this: call your midwife, GP or labour ward immediately if the swelling in your face, hands or feet increases suddenly, as this can be a sign of pre-eclampsia
Immediate action required: call 999 or go to A&E if
- You feel short of breath, or you are struggling to breathe
- Your chest feels tight, heavy or painful
- You are coughing up blood
- Your heartbeat is more noticeable (palpitations)
- You are feeling lightheaded, faint, confused, sick or clammy
- Any one of these on its own is enough to call 999 — you do not need several. You could have a blood clot in your lungs, which needs treatment in hospital immediately. Do not drive yourself to A&E
What to do next
Not sure whether swollen ankles, feet and legs needs a doctor? These are your options, cheapest and fastest first.
Questions people ask about swollen ankles, feet and legs
Reducing the chance of it coming back
- Avoid standing or sitting in the same position for long stretches — get up and move regularly
- Put your feet up when you are resting
- Cut down on salty food
- Wear shoes and socks that are not tight around your feet or ankles
- Keep moving on long journeys, and walk about when you can
- If you are pregnant, try foot exercises: bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times, and rotate each foot in a circle 8 times each way
Conditions this can be part of
Listed alphabetically, not by likelihood — this page does not tell you which one you have.
- Cellulitis
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Heart failure
- Oedema
- Pre-eclampsia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Varicose veins
Sources and further reading
This page was written from the following published guidance. All links checked 26 August 2026.
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