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Leg edema has many causes including ankle swelling, leg swelling, peripheral edema, swelling of the ankles, and more. Leg edema is the result of too much fluid building up in the feet, legs, and ankles. This particular condition is painless and the swelling is more common in older people and pregnant women. It can affect both of the individual’s legs and can spread as high as the calves and/or thighs. Since gravity works against the fluid buildup it is especially obvious in these areas of the body.?/p>

There are many situations where leg edema is more common. These include increased age, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing, menstrual periods, long car rides or flights, injury to the foot or ankle, as well as others.?/p>

There are some serious health conditions that may be causing edema. These include liver or kidney failure as well as heart failure. The reason leg edema may occur as a result of these conditions is because there is more fluid than the body can handle so it accumulates in the ankles, feet, and legs.

Quite a few other conditions could also result in edema including an infection, blood clot, sunburn, starvation, malnutrition, venous insufficiency, surgery, insect bite, and the like. There are quite a few medications that can cause leg edema, too, including antidepressants, steroids, MAO inhibitors, hormones like in HRT or birth control pills, and tricyclics.

Individuals with edema interested in caring for their condition at home should reduce the amount of salt in their diet because it could help with the swelling and fluid retention. Also, wearing support stockings can be very helpful for leg edema. When lying down it is important to elevate your legs. Finally, ensure you get plenty of exercise because?this helps remove the fluid from the legs and send it back towards the heart. If you have leg edema and experience a tightness in the chest, chest pain, or shortness of breath you should call 911. Also, if you notice that your swollen ankles/legs/feet are turning warm to the touch or you have a fever, if you are pregnant, or have liver disease, then you should contact your medical care provider.?/p>

If your self care measures are not resulting in improvement or the condition gets worse ten it is very important to visit the doctor as soon as possible.