Swollen ankles and legs are a very common complaint, especially during Korea's hot summer months. Most cases are benign, but some reflect serious underlying organ disease.
Oedema — the medical term for swelling caused by fluid accumulation in body tissues — most commonly affects the feet, ankles, and lower legs (peripheral oedema). It is more prevalent during Korea's hot, humid summer because heat causes blood vessels to dilate, allowing fluid to leak into surrounding tissue. Most mild bilateral (both legs) ankle swelling is benign, but persistent or worsening oedema requires medical evaluation.
Serious cardiac causes include heart failure — when the heart cannot pump effectively, fluid backs up in the veins and leaks into tissues. Kidney disease causes oedema through impaired fluid excretion and low albumin levels. Liver cirrhosis reduces albumin production (protein that keeps fluid in blood vessels), causing widespread oedema. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) causes unilateral (one leg) swelling, pain, and redness — a medical emergency requiring anticoagulation to prevent pulmonary embolism.
Other common causes in Korea include prolonged standing or sitting (long commutes or at a desk), venous insufficiency (leaky leg veins), lymphoedema, obesity, and medications (particularly calcium channel blockers for blood pressure, steroids, and some diabetes drugs). Management addresses the underlying cause: diuretics for heart failure or kidney disease; compression stockings and elevation for venous oedema; anticoagulation for DVT. Korea's cardiologists, nephrologists, and vascular surgeons are experienced in evaluating complex oedema.
Key Points
- Bilateral ankle oedema is common in summer heat — often benign
- One-sided swelling with pain = possible DVT — seek immediate care
- Heart failure and kidney disease are important causes to exclude
- Compression stockings help venous oedema significantly
- Many blood pressure medications (CCBs) cause ankle swelling
- Elevating legs and reducing salt intake helps mild oedema
Causes & Risk Factors
- Heat and prolonged sitting/standing — benign fluid redistribution
- Heart failure — impaired cardiac pumping causes fluid backup
- Chronic kidney disease — impaired fluid excretion and low albumin
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — clot obstructs venous return (unilateral)
- Venous insufficiency — leaky leg veins allow fluid to pool
- Medications: calcium channel blockers (amlodipine), steroids, NSAIDs
When to See a Doctor
- Sudden one-sided leg swelling with pain or redness — possible DVT, seek care urgently
- Breathlessness with leg swelling — possible heart failure
- Rapidly worsening swelling spreading up the leg
- Swelling with reduced urine output or dark urine
- Persistent swelling not explained by heat or posture
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: March 1, 2025