Swelling of the ankles or hands may be a sign of left or right sided heart failure, leaky valves in the leg veins (venous insufficiency), or less commonly, kidney
or liver failure. A tiny amount of swelling may occur normally in people who are on their feet for long periods of time.
Swelling in one leg much more than the other may indicate a blood clot (DVT). Another form of edema is called lymphedema. This occurs from compression
or damage to the lymphatic channels, and causes swelling more in the toes in the beginning stages. This can become very
severe and cause "elephant-like" legs. This form of edema does not respond well to water pills, and is better treated
with special compression stockings. Certain medications (Avandia, Actos, and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen)
may also contribute to edema. There are other rare causes of edema as well.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, and may include water pills
(diuretics). Avoiding salt, wearing compression stockings, and raising your legs by lying down are all helpful treatments.
We measure the degree of edema by the depth of indentation left by
pushing your finger into the swollen leg. Sometimes, edema is so bad that the legs will weep water out of the skin.
Severe edema will predispose the legs to skin infections. Symptoms of shortness of breath indicate congestive heart
failure, and rapid treatment is necessary to avoid hospitalization. You will need to see a physician to determine the
cause of edema and create a treatment plan.
