What should I do now?
Call 911
Call 911 for new or unexplained chest pressure that persists or returns, severe trouble breathing, collapse without normal recovery, or sudden face/arm weakness or trouble speaking. Do not drive yourself.
Contact your care team
Contact your care team promptly for increasing swelling, rapid weight change, or worsening breathlessness.
Keep your care plan
Track weight and swelling as instructed. Do not change a water pill without a specific plan.
SECTION 5
How is swelling treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. Heart-related fluid buildup may require diuretics and treatment of the underlying heart condition.
For appropriate patients with vein-related swelling, leg elevation, regular movement, and fitted compression may help. Your clinician should first determine whether compression is suitable, particularly if you have circulation problems or new unexplained swelling.
A medicine-related cause may improve after a clinician changes treatment. A clot or infection requires its own specific treatment.
Water pills are not appropriate for every swollen ankle. Do not change doses, stop medicines, or sharply restrict fluids without a plan from your care team.
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Medical illustrations are simplified examples for teaching.