Swollen feet and ankles (often called oedema) are common and can be caused by many different, completely harmless reasons, but can also be a sign of something that should be assessed by a doctor. The goal here is to give you practical steps to assess the swelling, relieve it in everyday life, and know when it's time to seek help.

Swelling typically occurs when fluid accumulates in the tissues of the feet, ankles, or lower legs. For many, it's related to strain during the day, but there can also be an underlying explanation.

Frequent and often less serious causes can include:

• Sitting or standing still for extended periods.
• Pregnancy (the body retains fluid more easily, and pressure in the legs can increase).
• Sprain or overuse around the ankle/foot.
• Certain types of medication can cause fluid retention as a side effect.

Causes that should be assessed by healthcare professionals may include:

• Venous insufficiency (when blood has difficulty returning from the legs).
• Lymphedema (impaired lymphatic drainage).
• Infection or inflammation.
• Blood clot in the leg (DVT), especially if the swelling is unilateral and accompanied by pain or warmth.

• Is the swelling in both legs or only one? Unilateral swelling is more often assessed.
• Does an indentation appear when you press the skin for 5-10 seconds? This is called “pitting” and can be a useful observation sign.
• Does the swelling change during the day? Note if it increases or if it decreases after rest.
• Is there pain, redness, warmth, tight skin, or wounds that won't heal? Write down when it started.

Many can try simple measures while keeping an eye on the development.

• Elevate your legs: Lie down and raise your legs so your feet are above heart level for short periods.
• Move your ankles often: Do "venous pump" exercises by flexing your foot up and down and making circles with your ankles.
• Change position regularly: Short walking breaks can help circulation.
• Avoid tight footwear and tight sock seams that can restrict circulation.

If you are pregnant, it can also help to plan calmer breaks and pay extra attention to whether the swelling changes suddenly.

Seek medical attention quickly (and for acute symptoms call 112) if you experience:

• Sudden swelling in one leg, especially with pain, warmth, or redness.
• Swelling accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or pronounced malaise.
• Swelling that worsens significantly over a short period, or does not improve despite self-care.
• Pregnancy and sudden swelling, especially if you also feel significantly unwell, have a severe headache, visual disturbances, or pain in the upper abdomen (needs to be assessed).

Please write down: duration, whether it is unilateral/bilateral, pain, recent injury, medication, and whether there has been a weight change. This will make the consultation more precise.

During pregnancy, swollen feet and ankles are common because blood volume changes, and pressure on the veins in the lower body can increase. After childbirth, fluid balance can also fluctuate for a period. The same principle applies here: mild, gradual swelling can often be managed with elevated legs, movement, and breaks, while sudden changes or alarming accompanying symptoms should be assessed.

If you need body support during pregnancy, a support belt can be relevant as a comfort measure for feelings of heaviness and strain, which some experience along with swelling. You can see an example here: Support Belts and specifically Maternity Support Belt.