What Is Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling? Foot, leg, and ankle swelling—also known as peripheral edema—refers to an accumulation of fluid in these parts of the body. The buildup of fluid is not ...

Dana Brems, DPM, a podiatrist and foot surgeon. Swollen ankles often occur after periods of “prolonged sitting and inactivity,” such as sitting on a plane, Brems says. Over time, inactivity ...