What causes leg swelling in the elderly?
Disease description:
My grandfather is 65 years old this year. His legs have become severely swollen in the past few days, but we don't know the reason. I would like to ask what could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Guang
Leg swelling in the elderly is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors. The following are some common causes:
1. Heart failure: When heart function is impaired or in congestive heart failure, the ability of blood to return from the lower limbs to the heart is reduced, leading to blood congestion in the veins, which impairs the absorption of interstitial fluid and results in leg swelling.
2. Kidney disease: Conditions such as nephrotic syndrome or renal insufficiency can lead to water and sodium retention in the body. Excessive loss of protein reduces plasma colloid osmotic pressure, causing fluid to leak into subcutaneous tissues and resulting in leg swelling.
3. Lower limb venous problems: Venous insufficiency, varicose veins, or deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs can cause impaired venous return, leading to blood congestion in the veins and resulting in leg swelling. This type of swelling may become more pronounced after prolonged sitting or standing.
4. Medication side effects: Certain antihypertensive drugs, hormone medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause water and sodium retention, leading to edema.
5. Lymphatic system: Blockage or damage to lymph vessels, such as in lymphedema, is also one of the causes of leg swelling.
