What causes foot swelling in the elderly?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Swelling in the feet of elderly individuals may be caused by prolonged standing or sitting, excessive salt intake, malnutrition, heart failure, impaired kidney function, or other reasons. If such 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. Elderly individuals should maintain a balanced diet and control their salt intake in daily life.
Generally, foot swelling in elderly individuals may be caused by prolonged standing or sitting, excessive salt intake, malnutrition, impaired kidney function, heart failure, and other factors. If necessary, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Prolonged Standing or Sitting
Maintaining the same posture for extended periods, especially standing or sitting, can obstruct venous return in the lower limbs, leading to fluid accumulation in the feet and resulting in foot swelling in the elderly. Regular leg movement is recommended, such as elevating the legs, walking, or performing leg exercises, to promote blood circulation.
2. Excessive Salt Intake
Consuming too much salt increases sodium levels in the body, altering tissue osmotic pressure and causing fluid retention in tissues, which may lead to foot swelling in the elderly. It is important to reduce salt intake, maintain a light diet, and moderately increase water consumption to balance electrolytes.
3. Malnutrition
Malnutrition, possibly caused by poor diet, genetic factors, or other reasons, may lead to reduced plasma protein levels and decreased osmotic pressure, resulting in foot swelling. This condition may be accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss and dizziness. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as enteral nutrition emulsion, compound amino acid oral solution, and lysine hydrochloride tablets with multivitamins.
4. Impaired Kidney Function
Kidney damage caused by trauma, chronic sleep deprivation, or other factors may impair the excretion of fluids and electrolytes, potentially leading to foot swelling in the elderly. Symptoms may include reduced urine output and proteinuria. Patients should follow medical guidance to use medications such as furosemide tablets, sodium bicarbonate tablets, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets.
5. Heart Failure
Heart failure, possibly triggered by environmental factors or excessive fatigue, may weaken the heart's pumping function, impede venous return, and cause fluid accumulation in dependent parts of the body, thus inducing foot swelling in the elderly. Common accompanying symptoms include dizziness and fatigue. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as furosemide injection, spironolactone tablets, and enalapril maleate tablets to improve symptoms.
Elderly individuals should maintain a balanced diet, control salt intake, engage in moderate physical activity, and avoid remaining in the same position for long periods to prevent and alleviate foot swelling. Additionally, they should pay attention to bodily changes and adjust lifestyle habits accordingly.
