Tips To Manage Swollen Feet And Ankles Among Seniors

By Silver Sitters

Swollen feet and ankles are common among seniors, especially during the intense summer. However, care must be taken if the swelling is persistent as this might point toward a serious underlying condition. 

Consequently, here are some tips to help you manage swollen feet and ankles among seniors in the article mentioned below. 

Reasons Behind The Swollen Feet 

Seniors with heart failure often have the problem of swollen feet and ankles. The seniors with weak heart muscles lack the ability to pump blood efficiently which in turn leads to the build-up in the legs. 

Chronic kidney disease hinders the body’s ability to filter waste, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in limbs. Acute kidney failure can cause significant swelling in the lower extremities. Certain medications, including some diabetes treatments, antidepressants, heart medicines, and anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen, can also cause leg and ankle swelling.

Tips To Treat Swollen Feet And Ankles Among Seniors 

Physical exercise

The foremost way to treat swollen feet and ankles among seniors is to make them do physical exercise. Physical exercise not only helps seniors to maintain their weight but also pumps fluid from the legs back to the heart. When you are traveling and having long car rides, ask the senior to switch positions and take breaks often to reduce the swollen ankles. 

Low salt diet 

Reducing salt in a senior’s diet can help prevent swollen ankles. Caregivers should provide balanced meals to maintain or achieve a healthy weight for the elderly individual.

Compression socks 

Another home remedy to get rid of swollen feet and ankles in seniors is to wear compression stockings. Compression socks improve the blood circulation in seniors and reduce swelling in them. Still, if the swelling worsens, make sure to notify the doctor about the same. 

Elevating the legs

The next best way of treating swollen feet among seniors is to ask seniors to raise their legs above the heart level for around half an hour. Make sure to elevate the legs on a cushion rather than a hard surface to avoid bruising or discomfort.