Symptoms

The symptoms of swelling depend on the affected body part and the underlying cause of the issue. Typical signs of this condition can include:

• Swelling or puffiness in the skin, especially the ankles, feet, or face
• Expansion of the abdomen (a type of edema called ascites)
• Shininess and stretching of the skin
• Breathing difficulties (if affecting the chest)
• Pain or stiffness in the joints
• A dimple that remains in the skin after applying pressure for 5 seconds (pitted edema)
• Sudden weight gain

Causes

Many factors can cause swelling. Some cases of edema are standalone, while others represent more severe problems. The most common causes of this condition are:

• Environmental factors and diet
• Underlying diseases
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes
• Hot weather and standing for long periods can cause swelling, especially in the lower limbs. Eating too much salt can also cause the condition.

Swelling may be a sign of heart and vein conditions, such as congestive heart failure, an inability of the heart to pump enough blood, and chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic kidney disease and liver cirrhosis—two serious medical conditions—can also cause swelling.

Pregnancy causes fluid retention, which, alongside the added weight of the fetus, placenta, breast tissue, and blood supply, can cause swelling in pregnant people, especially in the ankles. Hormonal changes due to monthly menstrual cycles can also cause this issue.

Treatments

The specific approach to treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the swelling. Lifestyle changes and medications are among the therapies for the condition. Here’s a breakdown:

Reducing salt intake: Eating excess salt can cause fluid retention in the tissues, leading to edema. Reducing or cutting out salt intake may help manage the condition.
Changing body positioning: You can manage swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs by elevating the affected body part so that it is higher than your heart. This approach is appropriate for mild cases of swelling (more serious forms require additional treatment).

Wearing compression stockings: Specialized compression stockings help promote blood flow back to the heart and help reduce swelling in the lower limbs. You may need prescription stockings for moderate and severe swelling, whereas drugstore compression stockings may help you manage mild swelling.

Diuretics: Also known as water pills, diuretics act on the kidneys to increase urination (pee), which helps reduce swelling. Diuretics should be used carefully and only as prescribed since too much can lower blood pressure, cause fainting, or impact kidney function.

Certain types of swelling—such as cerebral or chest edema and more severe forms of peripheral edema—require medical care and can’t be managed independently. In addition, the sudden onset of swelling is a sign that you need emergency help.