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.

• These conditions produce excess fluids in the body. Other conditions that may cause swollen feet include: Blood clots. Arthritis in feet. Thyroid disease. Infection in the leg. Venous insufficiency (when the veins in your legs are unable to pump blood back to the heart adequately) Varicose veins.

There are many causes of swollen ankles in the elderly. Many things play a role in that area of the body and it could just be a natural reaction caused by staying on your feet for long periods or being pregnant. These cases are not serious, as the swelling often subsides after some time.

How do you reduce swelling in elderly feet?

Home Care Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down. Exercise your legs . Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling . Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores). When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around.

When should I be concerned about swollen feet?

Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition. Many factors — varying greatly in severity — can cause leg swelling .

What medical conditions can cause swollen feet?

Causes of swollen ankles and feet are numerous and include the following: Dependent swelling (edema) Pregnancy. Medications. Injuries. Diseases (for example, congestive heart failure , alcoholism, and liver failure) Infections. Lymphedema. Blood clots (for example, deep vein thrombosis [DVT])

How is edema treated in elderly?

Get Moving, Keep Moving. Using body parts affected by edema is often difficult, but it may help reduce swelling and eliminate excess fluid. Even the smallest movements and mildest exercise regimen can help get blood and lymph circulating and strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Will drinking more water help with edema?

1. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling . When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have.

How do I get the swelling down in my feet and ankles?

How to relieve painful swollen ankles and feet Compression socks. Available at your local drug store, shoe store or online, compression socks provide pain relief and prevent fluid collection in your legs, ankles and feet . Elevation. Exercise. Weight loss. Epsom salt. Magnesium supplements.

What to eat to reduce swelling in feet?

Extra water in fruits can reduce foot swelling by flushing out extra water. Other vegetables , like cucumber and asparagus, are natural directs that eliminate water in your body. Drinking lots of water will also help your foot and ankle mobility with less swelling .

What is swollen feet a sign of?

Although edema can affect any part of your body, you may notice it more in your hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs. Edema can be the result of medication, pregnancy or an underlying disease — often congestive heart failure , kidney disease or cirrhosis of the liver.

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.

Does high blood pressure cause swelling in feet?

This hampers blood flow up to your heart and leads to swollen ankles and feet . Often it occurs on one side of your body. Swelling may be accompanied by: pain.

When should you go to the hospital for swollen feet and legs?

If you experience any of the following symptoms along with swollen legs , call 911 or seek immediate help: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Coughing blood. Chest 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.

What happens if edema is left untreated?

Edema left untreated can cause skin stretching to a point of pruritus and discomfort accompanied by painful swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Swollen areas are at increased risk of skin ulcers and infection.

Is edema in the legs life threatening?

Some edema can be expected, such as swollen ankles when you’re pregnant or a traumatic ankle sprain; but edema can be caused by life – threatening conditions, such as heart disease or kidney failure.

Is swollen ankles a sign of heart problems?

Swelling in the Legs, Ankles , or Feet Swelling (edema) in your lower legs is another sign of a heart problem . When your heart doesn’t work as well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in your legs. This causes fluid to build up in your tissues.