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.

How do you get rid of swollen feet in the elderly?

Home Care

1. While lying down, prop your legs up on cushions so that they are elevated over your heart.
2. Leg exercises are recommended.
3. Maintain a low-salt diet, which may help to minimize fluid retention and edema.
4. Support stockings (available at most drugstores and medical supply stores) should be worn.
5. Consider taking frequent breaks to get up and stretch your legs while you’re traveling.

When should I be concerned about swollen feet?

When should you consult a medical professional? Doctors recommend reporting symptoms to your doctor if there is so much swelling that pressing your finger into it leaves an indentation, or if the swelling appears suddenly, lasts for more than a few days, affects only one foot, or is accompanied by pain or discoloration of the skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

What causes fluid buildup in elderly?

Edema in seniors can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from moderate to severe.The majority of occurrences of moderate edema in elderly people are caused by side effects of drugs for high blood pressure, steroids, diabetes, or estrogens, among other things.Other moderate causes of edema include sitting or being in one posture for an extended period of time, as well as consuming an excessive amount of salty foods.

How is edema treated in elderly?

Mild edema normally goes away on its own, especially if you assist the process by elevating the afflicted leg above the level of your heart for a while. Edema that is more severe may be treated with medications that assist your body in excreting extra fluid through the urine (diuretics). Furosemide is one of the most often prescribed diuretics (Lasix).

What medications cause swollen feet?

1. Medication that can cause the feet to swell include hormones such as estrogen and testosterone
2. calcium channel blockers that help control blood pressure
3. steroids (androgenic as well as anabolic), corticosteroids, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
4. and a number of other medications.
5. Medication to aid in the management of diabetes

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.

Is walking good for edema?

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.

Can dehydration cause swollen ankles?

Make Sure You Stay Hydrated — Dehydration causes the constriction of blood arteries, which causes fluid to be forced into the extracellular spaces between cells. This promotes fluid retention, particularly in the lower limbs.

Is walking good for swollen ankles?

Tips for reducing edema in the ankles and feet In addition, Dr. Botek notes that simple lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and weight loss, can aid in the reduction or prevention of edema while also improving one’s general health. Walking and swimming were among the things she recommended.

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.

Can high blood pressure cause swollen ankles?

Every day, consume 8 to 10 glasses of pure water. Getting adequate water, despite the fact that it may seem paradoxical, really aids in reducing inflammation. It is natural for your body to hang on to the fluid it does have when it is not well hydrated. Swelling is exacerbated by this.

What deficiency causes swollen feet and ankles?

If you have swelling in your ankles, you may be suffering from anemia. Pernicious anemia is a condition that I should describe. It is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B-12, which is required for the formation of red blood cells. The vitamin insufficiency is caused by a lack of a chemical in the stomach that is necessary for its absorption (intrinsic factor).

Can sitting too long cause feet to swell?

Edema is a medical term that refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body. Edema is most typically observed in the feet and ankles, where, because to the force of gravity, swelling is more evident than in other parts of the body, such as the hands and arms. Long periods of standing or sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and becoming older are all potential causes of edema.

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 is the main cause of swollen feet?

When you push on the affected area, swelling of the foot, ankle, and leg might be severe enough to create an indentation (pit) in the skin. Congestive heart failure or a blocked leg vein are both known to induce this swelling (edema), which occurs as a result of an accumulation of fluid inside your tissues.

Can edema be life threatening?

When you push on the affected area, swelling of the foot, ankle, and leg might become severe enough to produce an indentation (pit). Congestive heart failure or a blocked leg vein are both known to induce this swelling (edema), which is caused by an accumulation of fluid in your tissues.

What foods are good to reduce edema?

Natural diuretic foods, such as asparagus, parsley, beets, grapes, green beans, leafy greens, pineapple, pumpkin, onion, leeks, and garlic, should be consumed on a regular basis to maintain regularity.Some of these meals may have an adverse reaction when used with diuretic drugs.Consume antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, squash, and bell peppers to keep your body healthy.

Can inactivity cause swollen ankles?

Swelling in the feet and ankles can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Because of inactivity, the lymphatic system has a harder time performing its functions, causing excess fluid to accumulate in the feet and ankles. Inactivity also increases the amount of stress placed on the lymphatic system, causing excess fluid to accumulate.

What doctors treat edema?

Because edema is multifactorial (caused by a variety of factors), you will most likely be seen by a number of doctors during your treatment. This includes your primary care physician (PCP) or internist, as well as a nephrologist (kidney specialist), a cardiologist (heart specialist), or a gastroenterologist (digestive specialist) (digestive tract or liver specialist).