The Causes of Swollen Legs in the Elderly

Swollen legs, or oedema, is a common issue among older adults, but it can often be a sign of an underlying health condition. For elderly individuals, leg swelling may occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from simple lifestyle factors to more serious medical conditions like heart failure, kidney disease or venous insufficiency.

While occasional swelling may not be cause for concern, persistent or severe swelling should never be ignored, as it could indicate a more serious problem. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of swollen legs in the elderly and highlight the importance of seeking medical advice when necessary.

Understanding leg swelling (oedema) in the elderly

Leg swelling, also known as oedema, occurs when excess fluid builds up in the tissues of the legs, ankles or feet. While it can be a normal part of ageing, it can also indicate an underlying health problem that needs attention. The body has a delicate balance of fluids that helps maintain normal function, but various factors can disrupt this balance, causing fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities.

In elderly individuals, leg swelling can affect one or both legs and may appear gradually or suddenly. It can be mild and temporary, or persistent and chronic. When the swelling becomes severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to investigate the cause to ensure proper treatment. Swelling may be related to circulation problems, kidney or heart issues, medication side effects or even lifestyle factors.

Common causes of swollen legs in the elderly

Swollen legs in the elderly can be caused by a range of factors, from circulation issues to more complex health conditions:

• Venous insufficiency
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT
• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cirrhosis
• Certain medications
• Steroids and NSAIDs
• Lymphedema
• Cellulitis
• Excess weight
• Inactivity

When should you seek medical attention for swollen legs?

While mild leg swelling can often be managed at home with lifestyle adjustments, there are times when swelling may signal a more serious underlying condition. It’s important to know when to seek medical advice, especially if the swelling is persistent, severe or accompanied by other symptoms.

Below are some situations where medical attention is necessary:

Sudden or severe swelling

If swelling appears suddenly or becomes severe, it could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or heart failure. Immediate medical evaluation is crucial to prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Swelling accompanied by pain or redness

Swelling that is associated with pain, warmth or redness in the leg may indicate an infection (like cellulitis) or a blood clot (DVT). If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention right away to receive the proper care and avoid further health risks.

Shortness of breath or chest pain

If swelling in the legs is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of heart failure or a blood clot that has travelled to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). These are emergency situations that require immediate medical intervention.

Difficulty moving the leg

If the swelling is affecting your parent’s ability to move their leg or causes significant discomfort, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Loss of mobility may indicate a more severe circulation problem or joint-related issue that requires medical evaluation.

Swelling that doesn’t improve with elevation or rest

If leg swelling persists or doesn’t improve after elevating the legs or taking breaks from prolonged sitting or standing, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition such as kidney or liver disease. Consult with a doctor to identify the root cause and determine the best treatment.

Unexplained weight loss or appetite loss

Swelling in the legs combined with unexplained weight loss or a decrease in appetite could be a sign of an underlying illness such as kidney disease or cancer. If these symptoms are present, it’s important to seek a GP’s advice for a thorough evaluation.

Swelling that worsens over time

If the swelling in your parent’s legs worsens over time or doesn’t respond to home treatments such as elevating the legs, applying compression stockings or reducing salt intake, it’s important to seek medical advice. Persistent or worsening swelling requires proper diagnosis to ensure the correct treatment plan.

Lifestyle changes and home remedies

In many cases, simple lifestyle changes and home remedies can help manage swollen legs and improve circulation. These steps can complement medical treatments and offer relief for mild swelling.

• Elevating the legs: Encouraging your loved one to elevate their legs above heart level for 15-30 minutes a few times a day can help reduce swelling by promoting fluid drainage.
• Exercise and movement: Regular, gentle exercise such as walking or swimming can improve circulation, strengthen the muscles, and help prevent fluid from pooling in the legs.
• Compression stockings: Wearing compression stockings helps to reduce swelling by applying pressure to the legs, improving circulation and preventing fluid build-up. Your healthcare provider can recommend the right type and fit.
• Limiting salt intake: A high-salt diet can exacerbate fluid retention. Reducing sodium intake can help manage swelling, especially if kidney or heart-related issues are present.
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the veins and prevent fluid build-up in the legs.

How Country Cousins can help

If you decide that live-in care is the most appropriate form of care for you or your loved one, your first step should be to contact an introductory live-in care service such as Country Cousins. At Country Cousins, we offer a variety of different types of care at home services, depending on your individual health and care needs.

 

With more than 60 years of experience, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of home care services. You can trust us to help you find the most suitable carer to support your loved one in line with their personal preferences and wishes. For more information on selecting live-in care for you or your elderly loved one, check out our guide to live-in care.

Talk to our team today

If you are considering live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.

Give us a call today should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.