What Causes Swollen Legs In Elderly?
Lower limb edema (or swelling) is frequent among older persons. It can be caused by a variety of factors. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is the most prevalent cause of leg edema, accounting for approximately 70% of all cases (CVI). Oedema may also be caused by other critical conditions such as congestive heart failure, renal disease, and liver illness.
What helps with swollen legs in elderly?
Here are some suggestions that may be useful in reducing swelling:
- While lying down, prop your legs up on cushions so that they are elevated over your heart.
- Leg exercises are recommended.
- Maintain a low-salt diet, which may help to minimize fluid retention and edema.
- Support stockings (available at most drugstores and medical supply stores) should be worn.
Why would an elderly person’s legs swell?
Seniors are more likely than younger people to have this ailment, which is caused by fluid collecting in soft tissue surrounding the ankles or in the ankle joint itself. It is possible that the swelling is caused by prolonged standing, eating a high-salt diet, sitting for lengthy periods of time, receiving an ankle injury, or using certain drugs, among other things.
Is edema in the legs life threatening?
Some occurrences of swelling in the legs and ankles are expected, but if the swelling occurs suddenly, is unexplained, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner. When left untreated, several health disorders that cause this swelling might be life-threatening if not addressed.
When should I worry about leg swelling?
If your legs swell for no obvious reason, get medical attention immediately away, especially if you are experiencing unexplained leg discomfort, trouble breathing, chest pain, or any other symptoms that might indicate a blood clot in your lungs or a heart issue. Leg swelling can be caused by a variety of circumstances, each with a varied degree of severity.
Is walking good for swollen legs?
Walking is the most effective weapon in the battle against swollen legs since it is so easy. Getting your legs moving means your circulation will increase, which will help to sweep up the fluid that has accumulated and move it.
What happens if edema is left untreated?
Untreated edema can cause more severe swelling, stiffness, trouble walking, stretch marks or itchy skin, wounds and scars, as well as reduced blood circulation.
How do you drain fluid from your legs?
Hold the swollen area of your body above the level of your heart numerous times a day to relieve the swelling. The ability to elevate the injured body part as you sleep may prove useful in some circumstances. Massage. Striking the afflicted region in the direction of your heart with firm, but not painful, pressure may assist transport the extra fluid out of the affected area faster.
Will drinking more water help with edema?
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day, depending on your activity level. Getting adequate fluids, despite the fact that it may seem paradoxical, really helps to minimize edema. When your body isn’t getting enough water, it holds on to the fluid that it already has. Swelling is exacerbated as a result of this.
Why do elderly retain fluid?
Edema in the elderly is caused by a variety of factors. Physical inactivity, standing or sitting still for an extended period of time, hereditary susceptibility, surgery, high altitudes, heat, burns, menopause, and an excessive amount of salt or an improper diet are all common causes of gout.
When should you go to the hospital for swollen feet and legs?
If you experience abrupt, unexplained swelling in just one leg, or if it happens in conjunction with other symptoms such as chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, fever, or skin that is red and warm to the touch, you should seek immediate medical attention.
What does severe edema look like?
Edema is characterized by swelling or puffiness of the tissue right beneath your skin, often in your legs or arms. Edema can also be caused by diabetes. Skin that is stretched or glossy. After being pushed for many seconds, skin that keeps a dimple (pits) is known as pitted skin.
What medications cause edema?
- In addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids (such as prednisone and methylpredone), pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, and pramipexole, edema can be caused by a variety of other medications.
Can dehydration cause leg swelling?
The kidneys begin to respond by holding an increased amount of salt and water. Swelling occurs as a result of the fluid building up in the surrounding tissues.
What does heart failure swelling look like?
Blood frequently backs up, causing fluid to accumulate in the lungs (congest) and in the legs (insufficiency). Shortness of breath and swelling of the legs and feet are common side effects of fluid accumulation. The skin may seem blue if there is insufficient blood flow (cyanotic).
What medications can cause swollen ankles?
- Medication that can cause the feet to swell include hormones such as estrogen and testosterone
- calcium channel blockers that help control blood pressure
- steroids (androgenic as well as anabolic), corticosteroids, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- and a number of other medications.
- Medication to aid in the management of diabetes