worsening, or repeatedly returns also deserves evaluation.
The Bottom Line
Swollen legs can reveal many different
things about your health.
Sometimes the explanation is relatively simple—too much time sitting or standing, excess sodium, hot weather, or medication effects.
Other times, persistent or unusual swelling can be associated with venous insufficiency, kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, lymphedema, or a blood clot.
The key isn’t to panic whenever your ankles look puffy.
Instead, pay attention to whether one or both legs are affected, how quickly the swelling appeared, whether it
