Ankles are swelling legs, pitting in legs, has been going on for some time now. i am 57 years old women. no serious illness in past. i am not on any medications birth control, i have no medical insurance unemployment has ran out 9 months ago.

Generally : Generally speaking, swelling in one foot/leg is usually due to something locally going on in the foot or leg, whereas swelling in both feet/legs is usually a symptom of the body retaining fluid. It shows up in the lower legs and feet due to gravity, but the problem isn't in the lower legs or feet, it's higher up. In very general, broad terms, water retention is usually due to one of 4 things, or combination thereof: heart, lungs, liver or kidneys. A physical examination by a physician together with blood tests and perhaps a chest x-ray would help determine which of those things is responsible for your body to be retaining fluid. Some of the causes can be serious, so it's important you get yourself checked out. An er cannot refuse you if you have no insurance or means to pay, but all an er will do is stabilize you and send you on your way, or, if it's serious, admit you. Many clinics have sliding scale fees predicated on your income, so you might want to check that out as a viable alternative to a private physician. Either way, you really need to get checked. Hope this helps. Feel better.