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.
What Causes Swollen Feet in Elderly People? Swelling is technically known as edema, and it’s quite common in older adults. One of the most likely causes of swelling is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which occurs when the valves in your blood vessels wear down, allowing the flow of blood to slow.

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?

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 .

What can cause a person’s feet to swell?

But there are also some conditions that can cause similar swelling because they affect the movement of fluids within the body. Venous insufficiency. Phlebitis. Deep-vein thrombosis. Heart failure. Liver disease. Kidney disease. Bone and tendon conditions. Problems with the skin and toenails.

How is edema treated in elderly?

Get Moving, Keep Moving. Using body parts affected by edema is often difficult, but it may help reduce swelling and eliminate excess fluid. Even the smallest movements and mildest exercise regimen can help get blood and lymph circulating and strengthen the cardiovascular system.

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.

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.

Why would one ankle swell and not another?

View tags. A swollen foot may be caused blood vessel blockage, lymphatic blockage, or trauma from an injury. Other causes of swelling in one foot include skin infections like cellulitis, or ankle arthritis which can also be the cause of one swollen ankle .

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 .

How do I get my feet to stop swelling?

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.

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

If you experience any of the following symptoms along with swollen legs , call 911 or seek immediate help: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Coughing blood. Chest pain.

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 .

What happens if edema is left untreated?

Edema left untreated can cause skin stretching to a point of pruritus and discomfort accompanied by painful swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Swollen areas are at increased risk of skin ulcers and infection.

Is edema in the legs life threatening?

Some edema can be expected, such as swollen ankles when you’re pregnant or a traumatic ankle sprain; but edema can be caused by life – threatening conditions, such as heart disease or kidney failure.

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.