Oedema (swelling)

Oedema is swelling caused by a build-up of fluid in the tissues — most commonly noticed in the feet, ankles and legs. It can range from mild, occasional puffiness through to persistent swelling that affects how comfortably you walk and wear your shoes. While oedema is often harmless, it can sometimes signal an underlying issue that's worth investigating.

What Causes Oedema?

Swelling in the lower limb can have many different causes, including:

• Systemic conditions — such as heart, kidney or liver issues, where fluid is retained throughout the body.
• Pregnancy — many women experience foot and ankle swelling, particularly in later trimesters.
• Venous problems — varicose veins or thrombophlebitis affecting circulation back up the leg.
• Lymphoedema — swelling due to an insufficient or impaired lymphatic system.
• Medications — some blood pressure medicines, including amlodipine, are well-recognised causes of ankle swelling [1].
• Local causes — acute injuries such as fractures or soft-tissue damage, insect bites, dermatitis, arthritis, inflammation, or swelling after surgery.

What Symptoms Should I Look For?

Oedema may show up as a feeling of tightness or heaviness, shoes or socks leaving deep marks, skin that "pits" (holds an indent) when pressed, or visible puffiness around the ankles and feet. When swelling is sudden, one-sided, painful, hot or red, it should be assessed promptly, as these can be signs of a more serious problem.

How Does Blueprint Podiatry Assess and Manage Oedema?

Because oedema has so many possible causes, getting the diagnosis right matters. At our Tuggerah clinic, our podiatry team takes a careful history and examines your feet, ankles and lower legs to help identify what's driving the swelling and whether it's localised or part of a broader systemic picture.

Depending on what we find, management may include:

• Footwear advice and accommodation for swelling that fluctuates through the day.
• Compression stockings for appropriate chronic or venous-related swelling.
• Skin and wound care, which is especially important where swelling affects skin integrity.
• Management of any local cause, such as an injury, inflammation or post-surgical swelling.
• Referral to your GP or specialist where further tests (or a medication review) are needed.

Our podiatrists hold Bachelor of Podiatry qualifications and bring a strong focus on how your feet load and move. Where swelling is linked to injury or activity, our gait and running assessment can help guide safe return to walking and exercise. We help manage the symptoms of oedema and work alongside your wider care team — we don't replace investigation of serious systemic causes.

When Should I Seek Help?

See a health professional if swelling is new, persistent, painful, only on one side, or comes with redness, warmth, breathlessness or chest discomfort. Prompt assessment helps rule out conditions that need urgent attention.

Related services

• Neurovascular Foot Assessment
• General Podiatry
• Footwear Assessments