Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Swelling In Legs In An Elderly Person
Question: What can be done about swolen legs and feet in woman of 77 years
Brief Answer:
Swelling due to reduced venous return
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. I understand that the edema or swelling is present in both the legs, involving the foot initially and moving up. The swelling increases in sitting or standing position and pressing on the swelling with finger can give a depression at the site like a pit. If yes, this is a pitting edema. Probably secondary to hypertension and usually cardiac cause due to reduced venous return.
2. Limb elevation overnight with 2-3 pillows below legs, so that the legs are above heart level should help. If necessary, strapping with crepe bandage should help in reducing edema physically. Additionally, diuretics like frusemide, if your Blood pressure is under control should help.
3. Avoiding sitting or standing for long time should be avoided. Movement will not induce swelling. During nights, pillow below legs should help.
Edema if persistent can cause ulceration. If persistent, ultrasound / color Doppler of leg to check for any causes is necessary.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Swelling due to reduced venous return
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. I understand that the edema or swelling is present in both the legs, involving the foot initially and moving up. The swelling increases in sitting or standing position and pressing on the swelling with finger can give a depression at the site like a pit. If yes, this is a pitting edema. Probably secondary to hypertension and usually cardiac cause due to reduced venous return.
2. Limb elevation overnight with 2-3 pillows below legs, so that the legs are above heart level should help. If necessary, strapping with crepe bandage should help in reducing edema physically. Additionally, diuretics like frusemide, if your Blood pressure is under control should help.
3. Avoiding sitting or standing for long time should be avoided. Movement will not induce swelling. During nights, pillow below legs should help.
Edema if persistent can cause ulceration. If persistent, ultrasound / color Doppler of leg to check for any causes is necessary.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is there any cure for the swollen legs and feet , when I press on my legs it leaves no depression the skin is very tight and hard I can't pot shoes on at all my feet are at least swollen by three sizes . I have depression am taking tablets for this.i am taking strong pain killers for chronic back pain that doesn't help .i have under active thyroid as well and take medication . Please try to help thank you .
Brief Answer:
Do start and see treatment for 3-4 days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for replying.
As it is bilateral, it is due to reduced venous return. Only lymphatic obstruction can cause edema, where you cannot press and case a dip and this is rarely bilateral.
Need to due limb elevation seriously along with diuretics. If your Blood pressure is normal, then 20 mg of diuretics during morning along with night limb elevation should reduce swelling within a week.
It is nothing to be worried about, as it is easily treatable. Do start the treatment.
Hope your thyroid levels are normal at present. If not requires correction as it is one of the cause of edema.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Do start and see treatment for 3-4 days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for replying.
As it is bilateral, it is due to reduced venous return. Only lymphatic obstruction can cause edema, where you cannot press and case a dip and this is rarely bilateral.
Need to due limb elevation seriously along with diuretics. If your Blood pressure is normal, then 20 mg of diuretics during morning along with night limb elevation should reduce swelling within a week.
It is nothing to be worried about, as it is easily treatable. Do start the treatment.
Hope your thyroid levels are normal at present. If not requires correction as it is one of the cause of edema.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
