What causes hand swelling in the elderly?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Swelling in the hands of elderly individuals may be caused by excessive salt intake, temperature changes, impaired venous return, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Elderly individuals should maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise to promote blood circulation, avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods, and pay close attention to changes in their physical condition.
Generally, hand swelling in elderly individuals may be caused by excessive salt intake, temperature changes, impaired venous return, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive Salt Intake
Consuming too much salt in the diet can lead to water and sodium retention in the body, disrupting fluid balance and potentially causing hand swelling in the elderly. It is recommended to reduce salt intake and increase fluid consumption to promote urination.
2. Temperature Changes
Rapid changes in environmental temperature—such as cold-induced blood vessel constriction—can impair blood circulation and result in hand swelling. Daily precautions should include keeping warm and avoiding prolonged exposure of the hands to cold environments.
3. Impaired Venous Return
Impaired venous return may result from poor posture, excessive fatigue, or similar factors, leading to obstructed blood flow back to the heart and triggering hand swelling in the elderly. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as pain and changes in skin color. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may take medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, diosmin tablets, or enteric-coated aspirin tablets to improve symptoms.
4. Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease may arise from inflammation, genetic factors, or other causes, resulting in reduced glomerular filtration rate, water and sodium retention, and the aforementioned symptoms. Additional symptoms may include weight loss and fatigue. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as Jinshuibao capsules, sodium bicarbonate tablets, or valsartan capsules for treatment.
5. Heart Failure
Heart failure, triggered by factors such as excessive fatigue or genetic predisposition, leads to decreased cardiac pumping function and increased venous pressure, which can cause hand swelling in the elderly. Symptoms may include palpitations and shortness of breath. Treatment under medical supervision may involve medications such as furosemide injection, nitroglycerin tablets, or digoxin tablets.
Elderly individuals should maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate physical activity to promote blood circulation, avoid maintaining the same posture for extended periods, and monitor bodily changes. In case of abnormal swelling, lifestyle adjustments should be made promptly or professional advice sought.
