You wake up and put on your shoes — only to notice they feel tighter than usual.
Or maybe you look down at your ankles and see they’re puffy, shiny, or leave an indent when you press them.
This is edema — the medical term for swelling caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues.
While occasional swelling can happen after standing too long or during pregnancy, persistent or sudden leg swelling could be a clue that something more serious is going on.
And the truth is:
Swollen legs aren’t just uncomfortable.
They could be a warning sign from your heart, kidneys, liver, or veins.
Let’s explore the common — and not-so-common — causes of leg edema, so you can recognize when it’s time to see a doctor.
🤕 What Is Edema?
Edema occurs when excess fluid leaks from tiny blood vessels into surrounding tissues, causing swelling.
It most commonly affects:
