You wake up expecting an ordinary morning, but something feels off. As you slip on your favorite shoes, they suddenly feel tighter than usual. Looking down, you notice your feet seem puffier, your ankles have lost their normal shape, and your socks have left deep, uncomfortable marks on your skin.
It is easy to blame a long day on your feet, hot weather, or simply getting older. Sometimes, that is exactly the reason. But swelling in the feet and ankles, known medically as edema, can also be your body's way of signaling that something else deserves attention. While many cases improve with simple lifestyle changes, persistent swelling can occasionally point to circulation problems, medication side effects, or conditions affecting the heart, kidneys, liver, or veins. Understanding the possible causes can help you know when swelling is harmless and when it is time to seek medical care.
What Is Edema?
Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid collecting in the body's tissues. Gravity naturally pulls fluid downward, which is why swelling most often appears in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. The swelling may affect one foot or both and can range from mild puffiness to significant enlargement.
10 Common Causes of Swollen Feet
