What causes leg swelling in elderly people?

Generally, lower limb edema in elderly individuals may be caused by aging, prolonged standing or sitting, malnutrition, renal insufficiency, heart failure, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Aging

With advancing age, the vascular system in older adults gradually deteriorates. The venous valves in the lower limbs weaken and the elasticity of blood vessel walls decreases, potentially impairing blood return from the legs. This can lead to fluid leakage into surrounding tissues, resulting in edema. It is recommended to regularly elevate the legs and engage in moderate lower limb exercises to promote blood circulation.

2. Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Due to limited mobility, elderly individuals may remain standing or seated for extended periods. This increases venous pressure in the lower limbs, impairs blood return, and leads to fluid accumulation, causing edema. It is advisable to avoid maintaining the same posture for long durations and to wear compression stockings to help alleviate lower limb swelling.

3. Malnutrition

Inadequate intake, impaired absorption, or excessive nutrient consumption may lead to malnutrition in the elderly, reducing protein synthesis and lowering plasma protein concentration. This causes fluid to leak from blood vessels into surrounding tissues, resulting in edema. Symptoms such as weight loss, muscle atrophy, and anemia may also occur. Dietary adjustments should be made to replenish deficient nutrients. Under medical guidance, medications such as alanine aminotransferase glycine tablets, sodium deoxyribonucleotide tablets, and nandrolone phenylpropionate injection may be used to increase protein levels and raise plasma protein concentration, thereby reducing edema.

4. Renal Insufficiency

Renal insufficiency refers to partial or complete loss of kidney function due to injury or disease, impairing the body's ability to effectively eliminate metabolic waste and excess fluid. This may disrupt fluid and electrolyte balance, leading to lower limb edema in the elderly. Other symptoms may include reduced urine output, increased nighttime urination, and generalized swelling. Under a doctor’s supervision, medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, spironolactone tablets, and Jinshuibao capsules may be used to improve kidney function and reduce edema.

5. Heart Failure

Heart failure results from impaired cardiac function due to myocardial damage or other heart diseases. Weakened pumping function disrupts systemic circulation, obstructs venous return from the lower limbs, increases venous pressure, and causes fluid to leak into surrounding tissues, leading to edema. Additional symptoms may include shortness of breath and fatigue. It is recommended to limit salt intake, avoid excessive fluid consumption, undergo regular monitoring, and follow medical advice to use medications such as enalapril maleate tablets, metoprolol succinate sustained-release tablets, and furosemide tablets for treatment.

To help relieve lower limb edema in elderly individuals, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, reduce sodium and fluid intake, perform moderate lower limb exercises, and avoid prolonged periods in the same posture.