The causes of swollen legs in the elderly

Swollen legs in the elderly, known as oedema, can be caused by several different conditions, as well as a side effect of some medication.

According to the NHS, swelling in elderly legs can also be a sign of a more serious condition such “a blood clot, an infection, (or) problems with your kidneys, liver or heart.”

Managing swollen legs in the elderly will depend on the condition the person is living with and whether treatments are available, however sitting with them raised for periods of the day may bring some relief.

Some causes of swollen legs are temporary, while others are longer-term. Some also depend on age, condition, or medication, while others are related to lifestyle.

Being overweight or pregnant means that swollen ankles can be part of an active lifestyle choice. While this may change over time, the person will need to manage their condition and elevate their feet whenever possible.

Heart, kidney, or liver failure can also influence oedema, as can certain medications. Your GP or community nurse will be able to advise on alternative medications or therapies.

Standing or sitting in the same position for too long can also cause the legs to swell, and some people find that their legs are particularly prone to swelling in hot weather.

If your GP or community nurse recommends additional support at home, or you’re struggling to manage your daily routine, you can contact Helping Hands, seven days a week.

We offer visiting and live-in care so that you can continue to live comfortably at home, and all of our services are fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and the Care Inspectorate Wales.

Increasing your activity levels is good for your circulation, muscles, and general fitness, and losing weight can sometimes help to reduce swelling in the legs and feet.

Keeping feet clean and dry will make them feel much more comfortable, while wearing comfortable socks and well-fitting shoes too should also help.

Swelling in the legs may be nothing more than a result of standing or sitting too long, or the hot summer weather. However, chatting with a medical professional, especially if your legs appeared to swell up without warning, can bring welcome peace of mind.

The answer is yes! Depending on the type of support you’re looking for, you will be able to find it from Helping Hands or a community healthcare source.

If you are struggling at home and need additional support for day-to-day tasks such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and personal care, having support at home will make a huge difference to your everyday life. If you’re concerned about the cost, then you may be able to claim benefits or allowances that will cover some or all of the cost.

Your GP or community nurse will also be able to support you in making healthier lifestyle choices such as a low salt diet or losing weight. You shouldn’t just ignore swollen legs in elderly people as they can be a sign of something more serious that needs attention.

If you’re elderly, living with swollen legs, and wondering how to manage your everyday routine, talk to Helping Hands!

We’ve been supporting people to enjoy their routine, at home and in their community, since we were established in 1989, and we have thousands of satisfied customers across all of England and Wales.

We’ve helped make life easier for so many of our customers where they’re struggling to manage, regardless of the condition they’re living with.