What Causes Ankle and Feet Swelling, What Should I Do?

Medically reviewed by Gregory D. Ruth, MD, DABVLM, RPVI, RVT, on September 26, 2025

Have you ever noticed your shoes feeling tighter by the end of the day or looked down to see your ankles puffed up and wondered, “whose feet are they!?” Swelling of the feet and ankles is not uncommon— but that doesn’t mean that it’s a symptom to be disregarded. While occasional puffiness may be harmless, it can also signal vein problems or other health conditions that need attention.

For this blog, we consulted Dr. Gregory Ruth, a board-certified vein expert and lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration vein clinics in Hackensack, New Jersey, and North Bergen, New Jersey.

✅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ruth in Hackensack, NJ, CLICK HERE.

✅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ruth in North Bergen, NJ, CLICK HERE.

✅ Don’t live near Hackensack or North Bergen, New Jersey? Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at one of our 110+ CVR vein clinics near you.

What Causes Foot and Ankle Swelling?

Doctors use the term edema to describe fluid buildup in your tissues. When fluid collects in the feet, ankles, or legs, you see and feel swelling. The causes range from simple lifestyle factors to medical conditions that need attention. 

Let’s walk through the most common ones:

1. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Your leg veins have one-way valves designed to keep blood moving upward to your heart. When those valves weaken, blood leaks backward and pools in the legs. This condition, called venous insufficiency, increases pressure in the veins and pushes fluid into surrounding tissues.

The Cleveland Clinic confirms that some people with CVI notice swelling in their ankles, skin changes, heaviness, or aching legs, especially at the end of a long day after standing for a while. Sometimes you’ll also see varicose veins or spider veins on the surface of the skin. 

2. Varicose Veins & Spider Veins
Those bulging, twisted veins (varicose veins) or smaller web-like veins (spider veins) aren’t just cosmetic. They can be a sign of underlying vein problems that contribute to swelling, discomfort, or fatigue in the legs. If ignored, they can get worse over time. 

3. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot in a deep leg vein can cause sudden, painful swelling, usually on one side. DVT is a medical emergency because the clot can travel to the lungs. If swelling comes with redness, warmth, or shortness of breath, get immediate care. (Mayo Clinic)

4. Other Health Conditions
According to the Mayo Clinic, heart failure, kidney disease, hormone therapy, and liver problems can all lead to fluid retention. Even thyroid issues can contribute to swelling. If swelling is persistent and widespread, your doctor may check for these systemic causes. 

5. Lymphedema
Your lymphatic system normally drains extra fluid from tissues. When it’s damaged, by surgery, radiation, infection, or other causes, fluid builds up. Lymphedema usually starts subtly, with swelling later in the day, but can become constant if untreated. (Mayo Clinic)

6. Lifestyle and Medications
Sometimes the cause is simpler: sitting or standing for long periods, pregnancy, carrying extra weight, or taking certain medications (like calcium channel blockers or NSAIDs). Gravity and pressure on your veins make swelling worse.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Swelling!

If your ankles or feet stay swollen even after rest and elevation, it could be more than fatigue. Ongoing swelling often points to vein disease such as venous insufficiency. The sooner you consult a CVR vein doctor, the sooner you can prevent complications like skin changes, ulcers, or blood clots.

👉 Book your consultation with a CVR vein specialist today and discover how straightforward relief from foot swelling can be.

When Should You See a Vein Specialist?

Not all swelling means trouble, but it should raise a red flag if:

• It doesn’t go away with rest or leg elevation.
• It only affects one leg or foot.
• It’s paired with leg pain, skin discoloration, or visible varicose veins.
• You have risk factors like a prior DVT, obesity, or chronic health issues.
• It’s sudden, severe, or linked with shortness of breath or chest pain.

In these cases, a Center for Vein Restoration vein doctor can help pinpoint the cause and get you on the right treatment plan.

📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915 
📅 Or book online HERE

What Can Be Done About Swelling?

The good news is there are effective ways to manage swelling, especially when it’s tied to vein disease.

How CVR Vein Specialists Diagnose and Treat Foot Swelling:

• Exam & history: Reviewing symptoms, medical history, medications, and examining leg veins, skin changes, and circulation for signs of disease.
• Ultrasound imaging: A painless imaging test using sound waves to show blood flow, vein structure, and valve function in real time.

Lifestyle Management and Vein Treatment Options

• Compression stockings: Support circulation and reduce swelling.
• Leg elevation: Put your feet above heart level when resting.
• Lifestyle changes: Stay active, watch your salt intake, drink plenty of water, and avoid long periods of sitting or standing.
• Minimally invasive vein treatments: For more advanced cases, procedures like sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, or phlebectomy can close faulty veins and restore healthy flow. These are office-based, quick, and require little downtime. 

How to Prevent Foot and Ankle Swelling

Even if you’re not dealing with vein disease now, prevention matters. Here’s what you can do:

• Move often: Walking, stretching, or even flexing your feet helps blood flow.
• Take breaks: On long flights or desk jobs, stand up and move every hour.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Less strain on your veins.
• Wear compression if needed: Ask your vein expert if it’s right for you.
• Elevate your legs: Especially after a long day.
• Stay hydrated and limit salt: Both can reduce fluid retention.

Preventing Foot Swelling Before It Gets Worse

Small changes, such as wearing compression stockings, staying active, and keeping legs elevated, can go a long way. But if swelling continues despite these steps, it’s time to see a vein doctor. Preventative care at a trusted vein center can protect you from bigger health problems down the road.

Take Action Against Ankle and Foot Swelling

Swelling in your ankles or feet isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s your body signaling that something may be wrong. Varicose veins, spider veins, venous insufficiency, and other vein problems are best treated early, before they progress.

If swelling keeps returning, causes pain, or changes the look of your skin, it’s time to act. Schedule an appointment with a Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist today. Our minimally invasive, office-based treatments are safe, effective, and designed to get you back to feeling—and looking—your best.

Don’t wait for swelling to get worse. Contact CVR now and take the first step toward healthier legs and lasting relief.