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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 helps swollen feet in elderly?
Here are 10 to try. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Buy compression socks. Soak in a cool Epsom salt bath for about 15 to 20 minutes. Elevate your feet, preferably above your heart. Get moving! Magnesium supplements can be helpful for some people. Make some dietary changes. Lose weight if you’re overweight.
When should I be concerned about swollen feet?
When should you call the doctor? “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.
What causes fluid buildup in the elderly?
Causes of edema in seniors are wide ranging, minor to extreme. Most cases of mild edema in seniors are side effects of medications for high blood pressure, steroids, diabetes, or estrogens. Other mild causes of edema could include sitting or staying in one position for too long or eating too much salty food.
How can I reduce the swelling in my feet?
Other ways to alleviate swollen feet include: drinking plenty of water. wearing compression socks or stockings. soaking the feet in cool water. raising the feet above the heart regularly. staying active. losing weight if overweight. eating a healthful diet and being mindful of salt intake. massaging the feet.
Is walking good for swollen ankles?
Tips to reduce ankle and foot swelling Simple lifestyle changes — such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr. Botek. She suggested activities such as walking and swimming.
What happens if swelling 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.
How do I know if my foot swelling is serious?
When to Call Your Doctor See your doctor if: Your swollen foot keeps a dimple after you press it. Your skin in the swollen area looks stretched or breaks. You have pain and swelling that doesn’t go away.
Can dehydration cause swollen feet?
Stay Hydrated – dehydration causes the constriction of blood vessels leading to the forcing of fluids into the extracellular spaces between cells leading to retention particularly in the lower limbs.
Can sitting too long cause feet to swell?
The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema. Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations. Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age.
How do you get rid of fluid retention in the elderly?
But again, most leg swelling in aging adults is chronic venous insufficiency. The ideal management of this chronic condition includes “lifestyle” measures such as elevating the legs regularly, using compression stockings, reducing salt intake, and doing exercises which improve fluid movement in the legs.
How do I get rid of fluid in my legs and feet?
Lifestyle and home remedies 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. Elevation. Massage. Compression. Protection. Reduce salt intake.
What foods reduce swelling in feet?
Magnesium-rich foods (tofu, spinach, cashews) Therefore, when you are suffering from swollen feet, eat magnesium-rich foods. These include tofu, spinach, cashews, almonds, dark chocolate, broccoli and avocados.
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 pills are good for swollen feet?
You can find several kinds of medications at your local pharmacy or grocery store that can help your legs get some relief. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help ease swelling and pain. Acetaminophen might also fight pain.
Can heart problems cause swelling in feet?
Congestive heart failure. If you have congestive heart failure, one or both of your heart’s lower chambers lose their ability to pump blood effectively. As a result, blood can back up in your legs, ankles and feet, causing edema. Congestive heart failure can also cause swelling in your abdomen.
Is vinegar good for swollen feet?
ACV is known to have a high potassium content, which in turn can help reduce fluid retention. Soak a clean cotton towel in a tub filled with equal parts of ACV and warm water. After squeezing out the excess, wrap your feet in the towel, sit back and relax for about 15 to 20 minutes.
What medications cause swollen ankles?
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.
Can inactivity cause swollen ankles?
People with a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to have swollen ankles or feet, so “the best way out is through” in the long term for those who are just beginning to get active. Dehydration can make swelling during activity worse. For those who are obese, swelling is more frequent with less physical activity.
Can high blood pressure cause swelling?
High blood pressure can impair the function of the kidneys, leading to fluid retention and swelling of the legs, and even kidney failure.
What medications 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.
When should you see a doctor for edema?
In most cases, a doctor should determine the cause of pitting edema and, if necessary, refer a person to a specialist. Some accompanying symptoms require urgent care. Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling in a single limb should seek immediate medical attention.
