Table of Contents
What helps swollen ankles 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.
Can swollen feet and ankles be serious?
Although swelling of the feet and ankles can be a minor problem, it can also be an indication of more serious illnesses such as heart failure, renal failure, or liver failure. The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema.
What are swollen ankles an indication of?
Sometimes swelling can indicate a problem such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure. Kidney disease can also cause foot and ankle swelling.
What causes fluid retention in elderly?
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.
Why do old people’s feet swell up?
Valves in the veins of our legs keep blood from being pulled down by gravity and pooling in the leg veins. As we age, those valves age, too, and may function less efficiently. This is a common cause of swollen feet.
How do you get rid of fluid retention in the elderly?
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.
Why do old people fill up with fluid?
Common causes include physical inactivity, standing or sitting still for too long, hereditary predisposition, surgery, high altitudes, heat, burns, menopause, and excessive salt intake or an unhealthy diet.
How to get rid of swollen ankles?
Compression Stockings. Wearing compression stockings applies continuous pressure to the legs,which can help improve circulation and decrease fluid accumulation in the ankles.
What causes ankle and feet swelling, what should I do?
Edema. Edema comes from extra fluid that’s trapped in the tissues throughout your body.
What medications can cause swollen ankles?
“Certain medications can cause fluid retention,” explains Dr. Weinfeld. “Some blood pressure medications, anti-inflammatory steroids, and even NSAIDs like Advil may have that effect.” Hormones like estrogen and some antidepressants can also leave you with balloon ankles.
Why does left ankle and foot swell with no pain?
Why is my ankle swollen but no pain? Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is also known as peripheral edema, which refers to an accumulation of fluid in these parts of the body. The buildup of fluid usually isn’t painful, unless it’s due to injury. Swelling is often more apparent in the lower areas of the body because of gravity.