What causes feet and legs to swell in elderly?

What causes feet and legs to swell in elderly?

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.

Should I go to ER for swollen legs and feet?

You should seek emergency care if you have sudden, unexplained swelling in just one limb or if it occurs along with chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, fever, or skin that is red and warm to the touch.

How do you reduce swelling in elderly feet?

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 do you get rid of swollen legs and feet?

Get Rid of Swollen Legs, Ankles and Feet Relax the legs. Using bandages to wrap the ankles and /or feet or putting compression socks can help people reduce swelling and help the blood circulation too. Using ice. Lie down on the ground and elevate the feet on a chair or pillow in order to support blood flow towards the torso.

What makes your feet and legs swell?

Certain medical conditions can cause the feet and legs to swell. Cirrhosis of the liver and lymphedema are known to cause swelling. Diabetes and high blood pressure can also cause swelling or complications of the conditions can cause swelling. Hormone therapy can also be a cause.

What are the dangers of swollen legs?

In either situation, the blood clot can be life threatening. The main danger is the possibility that the blood clot will break free and damage another major organ while traveling through the blood stream. Water retention is one of the most common causes of swollen legs, but it usually causes both legs to swell.

What causes swelling of feet and legs?

The most cause of swollen feet and legs is caused by increased fluid buildup when one sits or stands for long periods of time without switching positions. Serious health conditions can also cause swelling, such as deep vein thrombosis, lymphedema, cellulitis, and heart failure.