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.

• Swelling of the ankles and feet is often an early symptom of venous insufficiency, a condition in which blood inadequately moves up the veins from the legs and feet up to the heart. Normally, the veins keep blood flowing upward with one-way valves.

There are many causes of swollen ankles in the elderly. Many things play a role in that area of the body and it could just be a natural reaction caused by staying on your feet for long periods or being pregnant. These cases are not serious, as the swelling often subsides after some time.

How do you reduce swelling in elderly feet?

Home Care Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down. Exercise your legs . Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling . Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores). When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around.

When should I be concerned about swollen feet and ankles?

If your swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor right away. If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911.

What is swollen ankles a sign of?

Edema in foot and ankle Swelling of the foot, ankle and leg can be severe enough to leave an indentation (pit) when you press on the area. This swelling (edema) is the result of excess fluid in your tissues — often caused by congestive heart failure or blockage in a leg vein.

How can I reduce swelling in my feet and ankles?

Here are some natural remedies to reduce swelling : Soak your feet in cool water. drink plenty of water. Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe and move freely. Rest with your legs elevated. Wear support stockings. Do a few minutes of walking and simple leg exercises.

What causes elderly feet to 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.

Will drinking more water help with edema?

1. 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.

What to eat to reduce swelling in feet?

Extra water in fruits can reduce foot swelling by flushing out extra water. Other vegetables , like cucumber and asparagus, are natural directs that eliminate water in your body. Drinking lots of water will also help your foot and ankle mobility with less swelling .

Is swollen ankles a sign of heart problems?

Swelling in the Legs, Ankles , or Feet Swelling (edema) in your lower legs is another sign of a heart problem . When your heart doesn’t work as well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in your legs. This causes fluid to build up in your tissues.

How do you get rid of swollen ankles fast?

7 Helpful Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet and Ankles Walk it Out. Drink Lots of Water. Sleep on Your Side. Enjoy Some Pool Time. Limit Your Salt. Wear Compression Socks. Elevate Your Feet .

Does walking help swollen ankles?

The best weapon in the fight against swollen legs is a simple one: walking . Getting your legs moving means circulation is improved which will sweep up that collected fluid and get it shifted.

Why is my ankle swollen but no pain?

Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is also known as peripheral edema, which refers to an accumulation of fluid in these parts of the body. The buildup of fluid usually isn’t painful , unless it’s due to injury. Swelling is often more apparent in the lower areas of the body because of gravity.

When should you see a doctor for swollen ankles?

“Report your symptoms to your doctor if there’s so much swelling that it leaves an indentation if you press your finger into it, or if it has developed suddenly, lasts for more than a few days, affects just one foot, or is accompanied by pain or discoloration of the skin,” Dr . Ioli advises.

How do you make swelling go down fast?

Applying an ice-pack or cold compress to an injury is the fastest way to deal with immediate swelling . It helps reduce swelling by restricting blood flow to the area and slowing down cellular metabolism. Cold therapy systems and ice baths are other methods you can use to apply cold to the area.

What medications cause swollen feet?

What medications can cause swollen ankles and feet? Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Calcium channel blockers , a type of blood pressure medication. Steroids, including corticosteroids such as prednisone. Antidepressants. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Diabetes medications.

Are swollen feet a sign of diabetes?

Diabetes can also cause edema or swelling in the feet and ankles. Swelling in people with diabetes is usually due to factors associated with diabetes , such as: obesity. poor circulation.