Overview

• The NHS says swelling of the legs, ankles or feet (oedema) can indicate heart failure and often eases after sleep but gets worse later in the day.
• Heart failure reduces the heart’s ability to circulate blood, raising vessel pressure and pushing fluid into tissues, which can hinder walking.
• Signs of oedema include puffy lower limbs, shiny or stretched skin, skin colour change, stiffness, discomfort and dents after pressing the skin.
• Many other factors can cause swelling, such as prolonged sitting or standing, high salt intake, pregnancy, certain medicines, injury, insect stings, kidney or liver problems, infection or a blood clot.
• The NHS advises seeing a GP for persistent or worsening symptoms and calling 999 or going to A&E if symptoms start suddenly or become very severe.