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87 Year Old With Swelling In The Ankle And Feet. Is There A Problem? On Hypertension Medication
My Mum is 87 years old. A non smoker, non drinker( never has in her life),she is 5'6 inches tall and about 117 lbs. She has good all over health. Eats lots of fruits and vegetables. walks 2-3 miles per day. But the last couple of months when she is not,moving around a lot, or as the day goes on, her feet and ankles swell. What is causing this? Is this a sign of her body or organs shutting down. The only medicine she takes is blood pressure which is well under control.Im by concerned.
Britt Alexander
Britt Alexander
posted on
Sat, 4 May 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 4 May 2013
Answered on
Sat, 4 May 2013
Last reviewed on
hi there, its good to note that your mom is in good health and has no serious complains. Swelling of ankles and feet is quite a common occurance in non ambulatory persons and especially aged individuals. It is not a sign of organ failure per se but to rule out any renal insufficiency you may get her urine routine exam done to see if there is any proteinuria. Also get her blood tests done to see her serum protein levels along with her hemoglobin levels. She could use a foot stool or any other way to elevated her feet when she is sitting for a prolonged time and use pillows under her calf and feet when she is lying down to allevate this condition. Pneumatic socks are also available if the swelling is too cumbersome.Do not get unduly worried about it and get her investigated to rule out any condition as listed above. If everything comes back normal, you can just relax. Take care.
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Hello, thanks for the query to H.C.M. Forum
87 yrs old.
Hypertensive patient are prone to renal (KIDNEY) failure and your mother is on anti hypertension medicine.
2 nd reason may be hypo-proteinemia, i.e. less amount of protein in body.
3 rd reason may be anemia, in this case also there is swelling over dependent parts i.e. as legs and feet.
Now please consult a physician and get in blood examination for C B C, E S R, LIVER FUNCTION TEST,RENAL FUNCTION TEST, SUGAR, LIPID PROFILE.
Get in an U/S whole abdomen.
Good luck Dr. HET
87 yrs old.
Hypertensive patient are prone to renal (KIDNEY) failure and your mother is on anti hypertension medicine.
2 nd reason may be hypo-proteinemia, i.e. less amount of protein in body.
3 rd reason may be anemia, in this case also there is swelling over dependent parts i.e. as legs and feet.
Now please consult a physician and get in blood examination for C B C, E S R, LIVER FUNCTION TEST,RENAL FUNCTION TEST, SUGAR, LIPID PROFILE.
Get in an U/S whole abdomen.
Good luck Dr. HET
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