Swollen feet and legs, referred to medically as edema, occur when fluid is retained in the spaces between body cells. Edema typically affects the feet, ankles and lower legs, but can also impact any area of the body, causing systemic symptoms. Causes:
Ankleâbrachial pressure index - Interpretation of results. 1  In a normal subject the pressure at the ankle is slightly higher than at the elbow (there is reflection of the pulse pressure from the vascular bed of the feet, whereas at the elbow the artery continues on some distance to the wrist).
In order to diagnose the severity of the condition, the patientâs blood pressure is taken in the arm and compared to the blood pressure measurement taken in the ankle. The result of this test, called the ankle brachial index (ABI) will evaluate the extent to which the blood supply is limited in the leg.