What causes leg swelling in a 70-year-old elderly person, and what should be done?

Sep 22, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

Leg swelling in a 70-year-old elderly person may be caused by prolonged standing or sitting, dietary factors, hormonal changes, varicose veins, heart failure, or other reasons. If the above symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and receive treatments such as general management or medication under the guidance of a physician. The elderly should maintain a balanced diet and avoid prolonged standing or sitting in daily life.

Generally, leg swelling in a 70-year-old elderly person may be caused by prolonged standing or sitting, dietary factors, hormonal changes, varicose veins, heart failure, and other reasons. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and receive treatments such as general management or medication under the guidance of a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Due to gravity, blood may accumulate in the leg veins, potentially causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues, thereby leading to leg swelling in a 70-year-old individual. Wearing compression stockings regularly can help promote blood return.

2. Dietary Factors

Excessive salt intake may lead to water and sodium retention in the body, disrupting fluid balance and thus contributing to leg swelling in elderly individuals. Usually, no special treatment is required; maintaining an appropriate increase in potassium intake in daily life can aid in sodium excretion.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes may result from aging, low immunity, and other factors, possibly causing decreased estrogen levels, which affect water-salt metabolism and vascular permeability, thereby triggering leg swelling. Symptoms may include hot flashes and mood swings. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, conjugated estrogens tablets, or Xiaoyao Pills.

4. Varicose Veins

Poor posture, physical strain, and other factors may lead to varicose veins, resulting in venous hypertension and blood stasis, impairing effective blood return to the heart and causing accumulation in the legs, thus inducing the aforementioned symptoms. This may be accompanied by sensations of heaviness and edema. Patients should follow medical instructions to use medications such as diosmin tablets, xuesaitong soft capsules, or sodium aescinate tablets.

5. Heart Failure

Heart failure may be caused by infections, genetic factors, etc. When heart failure occurs, the heart's pumping capacity declines, leading to impaired blood return, increased venous pressure, and subsequent blood stasis in the lower extremities, causing the symptoms described. It is typically accompanied by shortness of breath and fatigue. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as furosemide injection, digoxin tablets, or enalapril maleate tablets to improve symptoms.

Elderly individuals should maintain a balanced diet, avoid prolonged standing or sitting, and engage in moderate exercise to promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of developing edema.

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What does it mean if the abdomen is full of urine-like fluid, and what should be done?

In general, the main causes of having excessive fluid in the bladder include drinking too much water, holding urine for prolonged periods, benign prostatic hyperplasia, neurogenic bladder, and urethral stricture. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, one should develop habits of regular water intake and timely urination, avoid prolonged sitting, and engage in appropriate physical activity.