Question: What Causes Leg Swelling In Elderly?

Edema (or swelling) of the lower limbs is common in older adults. The most common cause (about 70%) of leg edema is due to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Other serious causes of edema include congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease.

Why would an elderly person’s legs swell?

Legs, ankles, and feet swell when excess fluid is pulled down by gravity and builds up in the lower body. This is called edema and it’s common in older adults and usually happens on both sides of the body. It can be caused by a variety of health conditions including heart failure, kidney disease, gout, and arthritis.

When should I be concerned about leg swelling?

Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition. Many factors — varying greatly in severity — can cause leg swelling.

How do you reduce swelling in the elderly?

Any form of cold therapy can be beneficial, such as: ice packs, ice baths, and ice machines that deliver cold water to wraps. Ice should be used a few times a day for about 20-30 minutes at a time to reduce swelling effectively. Pressure on an injury helps constrict blood flow and excess fluid from reaching the injury.

Is edema in the legs life threatening?

Most of the time, the edema is not a serious illness, but it may be a sign for one. Here are some examples: Venous insufficiency can cause edema in the feet and ankles, because the veins are having trouble transporting enough blood all the way to the feet and back to the heart.

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What happens if edema is left untreated?

If left untreated, edema can lead to increasingly painful swelling, stiffness, difficulty walking, stretched or itchy skin, skin ulcers, scarring, and decreased blood circulation.

How do you drain fluid from your legs?

Hold the swollen part of your body above the level of your heart several times a day. In some cases, elevating the affected body part while you sleep may be helpful. Massage. Stroking the affected area toward your heart using firm, but not painful, pressure may help move the excess fluid out of that area.

What helps with swollen legs in elderly?

But again, most leg swelling in aging adults is chronic venous insufficiency. The ideal management of this chronic condition includes “lifestyle” measures such as elevating the legs regularly, using compression stockings, reducing salt intake, and doing exercises which improve fluid movement in the legs.

What medications can cause leg swelling?

Many medicines can cause edema, including:

  • NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen)
  • Calcium channel blockers.
  • Corticosteroids (like prednisone and methylprednisolone)
  • Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.
  • Pramipexole.

Why would one leg swell and not the other?

Some of the causes for swelling in only one leg include: Infection in the foot or leg. Muscle strain or tear in the affected leg. Blockage of the leg’s lymphatic system.

What is a home remedy for swollen legs?

Home Care

  1. Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.
  2. Exercise your legs.
  3. Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
  4. Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).
  5. When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around.
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What medications cause swollen feet?

Medications that may cause the feet to swell include:

  • hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.
  • calcium-channel blockers that help control blood pressure.
  • steroids, both androgenic and anabolic, and corticosteroids.
  • antidepressants.
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • medication to help manage diabetes.

Does walking help swollen ankles?

Tips to reduce ankle and foot swelling Simple lifestyle changes — such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr. Botek. She suggested activities such as walking and swimming.

Will drinking more water help with edema?

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have. This contributes to swelling.

Can heart problems cause swelling in one leg?

Congestive heart failure. If you have congestive heart failure, one or both of your heart’s lower chambers lose their ability to pump blood effectively. As a result, blood can back up in your legs, ankles and feet, causing edema.

When should you go to the hospital for swollen feet and legs?

You should seek emergency care if you have sudden, unexplained swelling in just one limb or if it occurs along with chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, fever, or skin that is red and warm to the touch.

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