Swollen feet and ankles can happen for many everyday reasons. Spending hours on your feet, sitting in one position for too long, wearing uncomfortable shoes, or being in hot weather can all contribute to temporary swelling.
In many cases, the puffiness goes away after moving around, resting, or elevating the legs. But swelling that is persistent, recurring, sudden, or noticeably different between the two legs may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
The medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues is edema. It commonly affects the lower legs and feet because gravity encourages fluid to collect in these areas.
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