Characteristics of Recurring Ulcers and Effective Ways to Overcome Them

Swollen feet in the elderly can be caused by fluid buildup in the feet or injury. However, this condition can sometimes also be a sign of a more serious health problem. So, by knowing the cause, swollen feet in the elderly can be treated appropriately.

Swollen feet in the elderly can occur in certain parts of the legs, for example in the thighs, calves and ankles. However, swelling can also occur in the entire leg or both legs. This condition can make it difficult to move the legs, making it difficult for seniors to carry out their daily activities. 

Characteristics of Recurring Ulcers and Effective Ways to Overcome Them

Various causes of swollen feet in the elderly

There are many things that can cause swollen feet in the elderly, namely:

1. Injuries

As we enter old age, physical strength will become increasingly weak, which can make it difficult for elderly people to maintain body position and balance. As a result, elderly people easily fall and injure muscles, tendons or other tissues in their feet. 

When an injury to the foot occurs, the inflammatory response in the body will be active, which can ultimately trigger a buildup of fluid in the foot. As a result, this causes swollen feet in the elderly. 

2. Medication side effects

Consuming drugs used to lower blood pressure can also cause swollen feet in the elderly. Several types of blood pressure lowering drugs that have this effect are calcium antagonists and ACE inhibitors. ">.

Apart from lowering blood pressure, other medicines to treat certain diseases can also cause side effects in the form of swollen feet, such as diabetes medicine, corticosteroids, antidepressants, and NSAIDs.

3. Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where the valves in the blood vessels that are responsible for distributing blood from throughout the body are damaged. towards the heart (vein) in the legs.

When this condition occurs, blood flow to the heart becomes disrupted, causing blood to accumulate in the veins in the legs. This then causes swollen feet in the elderly. 

4. Heart failure

Swollen feet in the elderly can also be caused by heart failure. This condition can occur because when the heart fails to carry out its function of pumping blood throughout the body, this can obstruct blood flow. As a result, blood accumulates in the leg veins and causes the legs to become swollen.

In severe cases, heart failure can even cause damage to several body organs, such as the kidneys and liver.

5. Kidney failure

The next cause of swollen feet in the elderly is kidney failure. This is because kidney function that is not working properly can cause fluids to not be excreted from the body. As a result, fluid accumulates in the body and one of these causes swollen feet.

6. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver is filled with scar tissue due to infection or alcohol consumption. long term. When this condition occurs, the liver's function in producing albumin protein, a protein that keeps body fluids from leaking out of the blood vessels, becomes disrupted. As a result, albumin levels in the body are low and cause fluid leakage.

Well, this leakage of body fluids from blood vessels into other tissues then causes swelling in several parts of the body, including causing swollen legs in the elderly. 

How to Treat Swollen Feet in the Elderly

There are several ways that can be done to help relieve complaints of swollen feet in the elderly, namely:

  • Position the swollen leg higher than the chest using a pillow for support.
  • Use compression stockings or socks to apply gentle pressure to the legs, allowing trapped fluid to drain.
  • Massage the swollen leg area gently and slowly upwards.
  • Soak the swollen feet in a tub of water Epsom salts for 15–20 minutes.
  • Do light exercise, such as walking, to increase blood flow.
  • Wear loose, comfortable trousers.
  • Wear shoes that fit and are comfortable with soft soles. 
  • Reduce consumption of foods high in salt and increase consumption of foods high in potassium and magnesium.
  • Drink enough water, at least 8 glasses per day.  
  • Maintain an ideal body weight.

If swollen feet in the elderly are a side effect of the medication you are taking, consult your doctor first before stopping taking it. The doctor can advise you to stop taking the drug or give you another drug to replace it.

However, if swollen feet in the elderly are caused by certain health conditions, swollen feet can only be treated with medical treatment by a doctor.

Therefore, if you have an elderly family member and he has swollen feet that do not go away after trying the simple methods above for several weeks or swollen feet In the elderly it occurs without a clear cause, don't delay in consulting a doctor about this condition via Chat with a Doctor. 

Through this consultation, the doctor will provide treatment suggestions that are appropriate to the cause of swollen feet in the elderly. 

Label : Health cat_Health

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