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.

What does swollen feet in elderly mean?

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 pedal edema in elderly?

The most probable cause of bilateral edema in older patients is chronic venous insufficiency. Heart failure is also a common cause. Other systemic causes such as renal disease or liver disease are much rarer.

How do you stop swollen feet in the elderly?

Some tips that may help reduce swelling:

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).

How is edema treated in elderly?

Lifestyle and home remedies

1. Movement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart.
2. Elevation.
3. Massage.
4. Compression.
5. Protection.
6. Reduce salt intake.

Is walking good for edema?

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.

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.

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.

What does pedal edema indicate?

Pedal edema (foot and ankle swelling) is one of the cardinal signs of congestive heart failure (HF) but can also be due to other systemic or local conditions, including chronic kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders, venous insufficiency, and venous thrombosis¹.

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.

What foods are bad for edema?

Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar. Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy), or beans for protein. Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil.

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.

What conditions cause edema?

Several diseases and conditions may cause edema, including:

• Congestive heart failure.
• Cirrhosis.
• Kidney disease.
• Kidney damage.
• Weakness or damage to veins in your legs.
• Inadequate lymphatic system.
• Severe, long-term protein deficiency.

What doctors treat edema?

Because edema is multifactorial (many possible causes), several doctors will likely be involved in your care. This includes your primary care physician (PCP) or internist, a nephrologist (kidney specialist), cardiologist (heart specialist), or gastroenterologist (digestive tract or liver specialist).

What does weeping edema look like?

The swelling is obvious, and the skin may look shiny and stretched. Sometimes, swelling is so extreme that a person has difficulty moving. Swelling can become so severe that fluid will leak out directly from the skin. This is known as weeping edema.

Which drugs can cause edema?

Many medicines can cause edema, including:

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