General practice·General practice
Ankle swelling
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Ankle swelling, also called oedema (say ee-DEE-ma), is when fluid builds up in the tissues around your ankle, making it look puffy or bigger than usual.
Key facts
- It can affect one or both ankles.
- It often goes away on its own or with simple home care.
- Sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying health problem.
Yes, ankle swelling is very common. Many people experience it at some point in their lives.
It can affect people of any age, but it is more common in older adults and people who stand or sit for long periods.