This article includes pictures of swelling in various parts of the body and covers the underlying causes of swelling. It also discusses treatment and diagnosis. The meaning of SWOLLEN is past participle of swell. How to use swollen in a sentence. WebMD explains the causes of swelling in the ankles and feet - and when to see a doctor. Swollen ankles and feet are the result of fluid building up in your body’s tissues. It is known medically as ‘peripheral oedema’ – but you may hear healthcare professionals referring to it as ‘fluid retention’ and ‘water retention’ too. This article unpicks the causes, when to seek. Edema in foot and ankle Swelling of the foot, ankle and leg can be bad enough to leave a dimple, also known as a pit, in the skin after pressing on the area. This swelling, called edema, is the result of too much fluid in the tissues. Congestive heart failure or the vein not working well, also known as venous insufficiency, is often the cause. Find out about swelling in the ankles, feet and legs (oedema), including what it looks like, common causes and what to do about it. Edema (American English) or oedema (Commonwealth English), also known as dropsy, hydropsy, fluid retention, or simply swelling, is the buildup of fluid in a bodily tissue. [1][4] Most commonly, the legs or arms are affected. [1] Besides observable swelling, symptoms may include skin that feels tight, the area feeling heavy, and joint stiffness. [1] Other symptoms depend on the underlying cause. Swelling occurs when organs, skin, or other parts of your body enlarge. Read on to learn the causes, symptoms, and when to see your doctor. Edema is swelling from fluid building up in your body. Learn the causes, when it’s a reason for concern and what to do about it. Diagnosis To understand the cause of your edema, a healthcare professional will do a physical exam and ask about your medical history. This might be enough to figure out the cause. Sometimes, diagnosis might require blood tests, ultrasound exams, vein studies or others. Treatment Mild edema usually goes away on its own. Wearing compression garments and raising the affected arm or leg higher.