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. Causes of swollen feet and ankles include prolonged standing, a high-sodium diet, and pregnancy. More severe causes of swelling include blood clots and kidney disease. Eating a low-sodium diet. Visible signs of swelling include enlargement of the affected area and fluid retention. Doctors can identify internal swelling through imaging tests. Treatment options range from lifestyle. Swelling occurs when a part of the body increases in size, typically as a result of injury, inflammation, or fluid retention. The medical term for swelling is edema. It can occur in the skin. SWOLLEN definition: a past participle of swell. See examples of swollen used in a sentence. SWOLLEN definition: 1. past participle of swell 2. larger than usual: 3. past participle of swell. Learn more. “Edema” is the medical term for swelling from fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. It happens most often in your feet, ankles and legs. But it can affect other body parts, too, like your face, hands and belly. Edema is common because many conditions can cause or contribute to it. Below, doctors explain a few common reasons why you might be feeling puffier than usual in the feet area. They also note how serious the situation could get. There are definite health effects. The meaning of SWOLLEN is past participle of swell. How to use swollen in a sentence. Edema is swelling due to increased fluid in the tissue. It can result from inflammation, injury, certain medications, and various medical conditions. Though edema can affect any part of the body, it often occurs in the feet and legs. While it is more common in older adults and pregnant people, anyone can experience edema.