SWOLLEN definition: a past participle of swell. See examples of swollen used in a sentence. Swollen ankles and feet can result from injuries, medical conditions, or fluid retention. WebMD covers common causes, symptoms, and treatment options. 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. 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. SWOLLEN definition: 1. past participle of swell 2. larger than usual: 3. past participle of swell. Learn more. 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. The meaning of SWOLLEN is past participle of swell. How to use swollen in a sentence. “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. The periorbital tissues are most noticeably swollen immediately after waking, perhaps as a result of the gravitational redistribution of fluid in the horizontal position. 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.