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A number of people have inquired lately about
swollen legs and ankles - what does it mean when
someone's legs swell, and what to do about it.
With warmer weather coming this will be a common
question for many caregivers.
Please bear
with me while I make the usual disclaimer: I am
not a physician and this elementary summary is
intended to encourage you to consult a physician
for medical and treatment advice.
Like so many other things, swollen legs (edema)
is a symptom, not a disease. So the first thing
to do is try to find the underlying cause of the
swelling.
If I remember correctly from biology class, our
bodies are normally composed of about 98% water.
Every cell in our body contains water, and water
constantly moves between the bloodstream and the
spaces between the cells (interstitial spaces).
Anything that interferes with the movement of
this fluid can cause the water to build up
(water retention). The heart is the pump that
keeps things moving throughout the system.
Gravity plays a part in the development of
edema. We've all heard the advice about trying
on shoes in the late afternoon. If a person has
been standing or sitting for a long period of
time, especially in warm weather, body fluid can
settle in the lower legs, ankles and feet,
causing swelling.
A person with congestive heart failure has a
heart that no longer pumps as efficiently as it
should. The reduced efficiency of the body's
pump can cause the blood, and the water it
carries, to build up in the lower extremities,
causing edema. A short list of other things that can
cause swelling of the legs include liver, kidney
or lymphatic disorders, blood clots, insect
bites, bacterial infections, malnutrition,
allergies, and of course pregnancy.
If you haven't consulted a doctor about swelling
in your legs or feet, and the
swelling is more than just mild and occasional, you
should do so. Because swollen legs, ankles and
feet can be a symptom of so many different
things, you need to find out why this is
happening so that the underlying cause can be
treated.
In the meantime, before your appointment, you
can do a few things that may help:
Managing Swollen Legs &
Feet
While You Wait For An Appointment
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Several times a day elevate
your legs so that your feet are higher than your
heart. During the day a recliner is excellent
for this. If you don't have a recliner, use a
footstool or lie on the sofa. Put a wedge or a
sofa cushion between the mattress and box spring
on your bed to elevate your feet when you sleep.
•
Avoid sitting or standing for
long periods of time. Get up and move around
every hour or so during the day.
•
Nix the salt. Salt may not be
the culprit, but it can't hurt to avoid salty
foods and leave salt out when you cook. If you
see a difference in the amount your feet swell,
this is good information for your doctor.
•
Exercise. Moving around
causes your muscles to contract and release,
which helps circulation. It makes you feel
better, too.
•
Until you have seen a doctor
don't take over-the-counter "water pills," and
don't take any prescription diuretics that have
been prescribed for someone else.
•
Don't use heavy duty support
hose without being instructed by a physician.
These come in various degrees of constriction,
and you don't want to be causing other problems
by pushing fluid back up to your heart. For this
same reason, don't wrap your legs tightly unless
you've been instructed by a doctor, and don't
wear tight socks, shoes or garters.
When Swollen Legs & Feet
Could
Be An Urgent Problem
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Call your
doctor right away if:
•
Only one leg is swollen
•
The swollen area is red or
warm to the touch
•
You have liver or kidney
disease and have sudden swelling in your legs or
abdomen
• You have a fever
• You are not making
the normal amount of urine
• You have a sudden
increase in the amount of swelling in your legs
and feet.
And, of course, call 911 if:
•
You
are short of breath
•
You
have chest pain, pressure, or a tight
feeling |
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