Do you or an elderly loved one suffer from swollen ankles and feet? You’re not alone. Swelling in the lower extremities, known as edema, is a common issue among older adults. While it can be uncomfortable and concerning, understanding the potential causes can help you manage this condition effectively. In this article, we’ll explore 12 reasons why seniors may experience swollen ankles and feet, and what steps you can take to find relief…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
12 Causes of Swollen Ankles and Feet in the Elderly
1. Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the heavyweight champion of leg swelling causes in older adults, responsible for about 70% of cases. But what exactly is CVI, and why does it affect so many seniors?
CVI occurs when the valves in your leg veins start to weaken or malfunction. These tiny valves are crucial for maintaining proper blood flow. They act like one-way gates, allowing blood to flow upward toward your heart while preventing it from flowing backward. When these valves fail, blood can pool in the lower legs, causing pressure to build up in the veins.
This increased pressure forces fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.
Symptoms of CVI include:
Swelling in the ankles, feet, and lower legs that worsens as the day progresses
A feeling of heaviness or aching in the legs, especially after standing for long periods
Skin changes, such as discoloration, thickening, or even the development of ulcers in severe cases
Itching or a burning sensation in the affected areas
Appearance of varicose veins or spider veins
2. Heart Failure
Heart failure is a serious condition that can significantly impact your overall health. This causes swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet. But don’t let the term “heart failure” scare you – it doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working. Rather, it means your heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should.
When your heart’s pumping ability is compromised, it can lead to a backup of blood in the veins. This backup increases pressure in the blood vessels, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. It’s like a traffic jam in your circulatory system, with fluid spilling over into nearby areas.
Beyond swelling, other symptoms of heart failure include:
Shortness of breath, especially when lying down or during physical activity
Persistent fatigue and weakness
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Reduced ability to exercise
Persistent coughing or wheezing
Increased need to urinate at night
Remember, early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve your quality of life when living with heart failure.
3. Kidney Disease
Your kidneys are remarkable organs that act as your body’s natural filtration system. They work tirelessly to remove waste and excess fluid from your blood. However, when kidney function declines, as it often does with age, these vital organs may struggle to maintain the delicate balance of fluids in your body.
Kidney disease can cause fluid to accumulate in various parts of your body, including your ankles and feet. This swelling, or edema, occurs because your kidneys aren’t able to remove excess fluid effectively, leading to its buildup in your tissues.
Signs that kidney disease might be behind your swollen ankles and feet include:
Fatigue and weakness
Decreased urine output or changes in urine color
Nausea and loss of appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Muscle cramps
Dry, itchy skin
Swelling around the eyes, especially in the morning
4. Liver Disease
The liver is often called the body’s chemical factory, performing hundreds of vital functions. One of these functions is producing albumin, a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the right balance of fluids in your body. When liver disease strikes, it can affect albumin production. This will lead to fluid accumulation in various parts of your body, including your ankles and feet.
Liver diseases like cirrhosis can cause a condition called ascites, where fluid builds up not only in the legs and feet but also in the abdomen. This can lead to a distended belly along with swollen extremities.
Signs that liver disease might be causing your swollen ankles and feet include:
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain and swelling
Itchy skin
Dark urine color
Pale stool color
Chronic fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Remember, liver disease can be serious, but with proper medical care and lifestyle changes, many people can manage their condition effectively.
5. Medications
While medications are essential for managing various health conditions, some can have the unintended side effect of causing swelling in the ankles and feet. It’s a classic case of the treatment causing its own set of challenges!
Common medications that may cause swelling include:
Calcium channel blockers: Used to treat high blood pressure, these medications can cause swelling by dilating blood vessels.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): While they help reduce inflammation, NSAIDs can also cause fluid retention in some people.
Steroids: These powerful anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to fluid retention and swelling.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, particularly those in the class of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can cause swelling.
Hormones: Estrogen and testosterone supplements can sometimes lead to fluid retention.
Diabetes medications: Some medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, like thiazolidinediones, can cause swelling.
6. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): The Silent Threat
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It’s like a roadblock in your circulatory highway. It can have potentially life-threatening consequences if not addressed promptly.
DVT can cause swelling, typically in one leg, along with other symptoms. It’s crucial to be aware of this condition, especially if you’re at higher risk due to factors like recent surgery, prolonged immobility, or certain medical conditions.
Symptoms of DVT to watch out for include:
Swelling in one leg (rarely, both legs can be affected)
Pain or tenderness in the affected leg, often described as a cramping or soreness
Warm skin in the area of the clot
Red or discolored skin
Visible surface veins
DVT requires prompt medical care because of its potential complications. The most serious risk is that the clot could break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. This is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening.
7. Infection
Infections, particularly in the skin and soft tissues of the feet and lower legs, can cause localized swelling, redness, and pain. For seniors, especially those with conditions like diabetes. This can affect circulation and nerve function, foot infections are a significant concern. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
One common type of infection that can cause swelling is cellulitis. This bacterial skin infection can spread quickly if not treated promptly. It’s like an unwelcome guest that shows up and starts causing trouble in your body!
Signs that an infection might be causing your swollen ankles and feet include:
Redness and warmth in the affected area
Pain or tenderness
Fever or chills
Skin that appears stretched or shiny
Possible discharge or pus
In severe cases, red streaks extending from the initial area of infection
Note that infections can escalate quickly, especially in older adults. Don’t hesitate to seek medical care if you suspect an infection is causing your swelling.
8. Injury or Surgery
Injuries to the foot or ankle, such as sprains or fractures, can cause localized swelling as part of the body’s natural healing process. Similarly, swelling is a common occurrence after surgery in the lower extremities or pelvic area. It’s like your body’s repair crew showing up with all their equipment – there might be some congestion while they work!
While some swelling is normal and expected in these situations, excessive or prolonged swelling can interfere with healing and cause discomfort.
The RICE method is a tried-and-true approach for managing swelling related to injuries or post-surgical recovery:
Rest: Give the affected area time to heal by avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort.
Ice: Apply cold packs to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This helps reduce inflammation and pain.
Compression: Use elastic bandages or compression socks to help reduce swelling. Be careful not to wrap too tightly, which could impair circulation.
Elevation: Keep the affected limb elevated above heart level when resting to help fluid drain away from the area.
9. Prolonged Standing or Sitting
We’ve all experienced it – that uncomfortable swelling in our feet and ankles after a long day of standing or sitting. For seniors, this can be particularly problematic. When you stand or sit for extended periods, gravity pulls blood and fluid into your lower legs, causing them to swell. It’s like your legs are buckets, slowly filling up over time!
This type of swelling, while usually temporary, can be uncomfortable and may increase the risk of other issues like skin breakdown or circulatory problems if it occurs frequently.
Strategies to Combat Gravity-Induced Swelling:
Take movement breaks: If you need to stand or sit for long periods, try to take regular breaks to move around and stretch. Even simple ankle rotations or calf raises can help promote circulation.
Elevate your legs: When resting, try to elevate your legs above heart level. This allows gravity to help drain fluid back towards your heart.
Wear supportive shoes: Good footwear can help support your feet and promote better circulation. Avoid shoes that are too tight or that don’t provide adequate support.
Use compression socks: Compression stockings can help prevent fluid from pooling in your lower legs.
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration helps maintain good circulation and can actually help reduce fluid retention.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional pressure on your legs and feet, making swelling more likely.
10. Obesity
Carrying excess weight can significantly contribute to swollen ankles and feet in the elderly. It’s like asking your legs to carry around heavy shopping bags all day, every day! This extra burden puts additional pressure on your veins and lymphatic system. This making it harder for fluid to circulate properly.
Obesity doesn’t just affect your ankles and feet – it can impact your overall health in numerous ways. It increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, which can further contribute to swelling.
Tips for Managing Weight and Reducing Swelling:
Adopt a balanced diet: Focus on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-sodium items.
Stay active: Regular physical activity is crucial for weight management and overall health. Start with low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or chair exercises if mobility is a concern.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess sodium and reduce fluid retention.
Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep is important for maintaining a healthy weight. Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to weight gain. Try stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga.
Seek support: Consider joining a support group or working with a nutritionist or personal trainer who specializes in senior health.
11. Pregnancy: A Special Case of Swelling
While not typically a concern for the elderly, it’s worth mentioning pregnancy-related swelling for those caring for multiple generations. Swelling in the feet and ankles is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the added weight of the growing baby.
While mild swelling is normal, sudden or severe swelling may be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Other warning signs include:
Swelling in the face and hands
Sudden weight gain
Severe headaches
Vision changes
Upper abdominal pain
Pregnant women should always discuss any concerns about swelling with their healthcare provider.
12. Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymphatic system, your body’s drainage network, fails to function properly. This leads to a buildup of lymph fluid, causing swelling typically in the arms or legs. It’s like a backed-up drain in your body’s plumbing system!
Lymphedema can be primary (inherited) or secondary (caused by damage to the lymphatic system, often due to cancer treatment, surgery, or infection). In the elderly, secondary lymphedema is more common.
Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema:
Swelling in part or all of a limb or other body part
A feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected area
Restricted range of motion
Aching or discomfort
Recurring infections
Hardening and thickening of the skin (in advanced stages)
When to Seek Medical Help?
While mild swelling in the feet and ankles is often manageable at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:
Sudden or severe swelling
Swelling accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough
Swelling in only one leg, especially if it’s warm or painful
Swelling that doesn’t improve with home care
Skin that is red, warm, or painful to touch
Conclusion
Swollen ankles and feet are a common concern among the elderly. By understanding these underlying factors and taking proactive steps to manage swelling, seniors can find relief and maintain their quality of life.
Remember, your feet are your foundation – taking care of them is an important part of overall health and well-being. If you’re experiencing persistent or concerning swelling, don’t hesitate to see your doctor.
Nowadays, most people lead busy lives and are forced to follow hectic schedules. This can easily cause stress, which later leads to more serious health issues. The food most Americans consume, fast food, is also a factor which negatively affects the quality of life. A great number of Americans struggle to maintain healthy weight and obesity is an issue many face.
One of the consequences of the above mentioned is a heart failure, or heart attack. In fact, heart attack is number one cause of death in America.
Some of the symptoms we should pay attention to and try to treat as fast as possible are the following:
Fatigue
Being extremely tired, sleepy, exhausted or lacking energy to perform even the slightest of tasks can be a sign of fatigue. One of the reasons it may affect a person are the lowered levels of blood that go to the heart. This usually takes place when arteries get narrowed. Fatigue can easily happen if someone experiences heart issues.
Shortness of breath
The shortness of breath happens when the lungs don’t get the appropriate levels of oxygen needed for a proper function of the body. If you or someone you know experiences shortness of breath it is for the best to consult a doctor because it may be a sign of a potential heart attack.
If you start experiencing weakness all of a sudden because of a an unknown reason your body might want to remind you to take things slowly and reconsider your lifestyle.
Dizziness and Cold Sweats
Both dizziness and cold sweats can be a result of poor circulation, something that must not be ignored.
Chest Pressure
A common symptom of heart attack is the chest pressure one might experience. This pressure will constantly increase until the attack itself happens.
Flu or Cold-like Symptoms
A great number of people who have experienced heart attack say that they developed flu-like symptoms mere days before the attack took place.
If you are interested to learn more about heart-attack and some of the symptoms which pre-follow this condition go to the video below in which Dr. Travis Stork speaks on the Symptoms of Heart Attack.
Coca-Cola is likely to be sold everywhere from South Africa to Ghana. This well-known red-and-white color scheme makes it easy to see what you’re getting in any area. But when you get back home and go to the corner store, you might notice that some of the Coke bottles look a little different. What do those yellow cases hide? In other words, they had never been there before. But those strange containers aren’t a mistake; they’re trying to say something to customers. Only people who know what’s going on will get the real message…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
Coke bottles now have colored tops, so you might be wondering what makes these yellow ones stand out. Most drink packaging shows what flavor the drink is, like a beige cover for a vanilla drink. But the bright yellow ones are different. Also, it’s not always possible to get these storage units. You’ll only have the chance to do this within a certain amount of time. Yellow book covers are a sign of spring, and you can find them in stores now. Look out for each other, or you might end up staring each other in the face.
But the yellow lids on the containers are a strange thing to happen. They are limited, just like the colorful jars. If you compare this recipe to the one used to make regular Coca-Cola, you’ll see that the ingredients are just a little bit different. High-fructose corn syrup is not in Coca-Cola that comes in the bright yellow bottles, but it is in regular Coca-Cola. These drinks use sucrose, a type of sugar that can be found in beet sugar and natural sweeteners. When you read it on paper, that may seem a bit random. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Why change one small part when the rest is fine? It was made clear. This change was made to help people who celebrate Passover. Corn syrup is forbidden during the Jewish holiday, just like many other foods. But sucrose isn’t against the rules for Passover, so people who follow the rules can still drink a Coke with a yellow lid.
There aren’t many things that can wake you up as much as a tall glass of iced water.
Still, about half of the people in the world have problems with being too dry. People also don’t usually realize that this could be very bad for their health.
If you don’t drink enough water, your blood will thicken, and your veins and arteries won’t be able to move as well.
This makes the space between the cells acidic, which can lead to gout, a painful form of arthritis. Gout is a painful disease that affects the joints.
If your body has too much acid, you might get kidney stones.
Also, your cholesterol level will skyrocket.
You should do everything in your power to avoid any of these things. So, watch out for the following ten signs that you’re not drinking enough water:
1. You have a dry throat.
Even though it may seem obvious that a lack of fluid in the body causes dry mouth, most people still use vaseline to treat it. You won’t fix the fact that your body is dehydrated in any way by doing this.
You have way too much dry skin.
Most people don’t realize that the skin is the largest organ in the body.
It’s really important that you do this often. Dry skin is one of the best ways to tell if you are dehydrated because it is one of the most obvious signs.
3. It feels like your eyes are dry.
Even though this is a clear sign that you are dehydrated, most people don’t notice it. If you don’t drink enough water, your tear ducts will dry out, which will make your eyes red, dry, and bloodshot.
This could cause damage to the eyes. As you get older, you might have trouble seeing if you don’t take care of your eyes.
4. You Have Joint Pain
There is a lot of cartilage in the water. This is important because it keeps your bones from rubbing against each other in your joints.
Getting enough water helps maintain healthy cartilage, which in turn helps maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints.
For instance, the kidney is one of the body’s organs that is in charge of this process. They work like machines, but just like any other machine, they won’t work well without water.
The body keeps getting sick because it can’t get rid of the toxins.
6. You say that most of the time you are tired.
If you don’t drink enough water, your body will take water from other fluids, like blood, to keep working properly.
If your blood loses some of its water, it won’t be able to deliver as much oxygen to all of your cells. In the end, this makes you feel tired and sleepy and keeps you from falling asleep.
7. You start to feel hungry.
Your body can sometimes think it’s thirsty instead of hungry. You might have to fight hunger all the time because of this.
When you eat when you’re already thirsty, the problem gets a lot worse. It forces your body to do more work.
8. You Have Digestive Problems
The mucus that lines the intestines stays in good shape when you drink water every day. The way your digestive system works depends on this.
If the mucus lining of your body isn’t healthy, you will have digestive problems like heartburn.
9. You experience premature aging.
As you get older, both how much water your body can take in and how much it can hold will go down.
If you don’t drink enough water, your body will start to think that it is getting less water as you age. So, it will change how much water it drinks to match how old it would have been when it would have needed that much water.
If you don’t want to look older than you are, you should probably drink a lot of water.
10. You never get enough to drink.
Even though it may seem obvious, you shouldn’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink some water. Your body should always have enough water so it doesn’t have to send you signals telling you to drink more water.
Now you know the 10 things that happen when you don’t drink enough water.