Swelling in the leg, ankle, or foot can be due to an injury, infection, heart failure, kidney disease, and other health conditions. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. It is important to contact a doctor if a person experiences frequent or persistent swelling.

Edema is swelling caused by too much fluid trapped in the body's tissues. Edema can affect any part of the body. But it's more likely to show up in the legs and feet. Medicines and pregnancy can cause edema. It also can be the result of a disease, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, venous insufficiency or cirrhosis of the liver.

Lower leg and ankle swelling can be caused by standing or sitting in the same position for a prolonged period, excess salt in the diet, kidney/liver/heart problems, blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis [DVT]), preeclampsia, arthritis, lymphedema, alcoholism, and others.

Swelling in the leg (s) can be caused by numerous conditions. Most commonly, chronic venous insufficiency is to blame. However, swelling that comes on suddenly may be fro a blood clot or an injury to one of the muscles, ligaments, or bones in the leg. Congestive heart failure can also cause chronic swelling in both lower extremities.