For normal, average person like me, it is when the lower extremities i.e ankles or feet appear to be abnormally big for the rest of the body. Edema, one of the most possible causes of swelling, normally occurs during pregnancy however, seniors tend to get swollen legs from time to time especially if they suffer from arthritis. Other age groups do get them although not as frequent as the two aforementioned. It is important to take note that when you get abnormal swelling, consult your doctor at once since 9 out of 10, it signifies health problems needing immediate attention.
Health care providers consider swelling as a symptom of a disease, both underlying and ongoing. This means, everybody can get it at any point of their lives, young or old, male or female. In an elderly person’s case, swelling can occur as a side effect of the medications you are currently taking in. Furthermore, Swelling will also occur when there’s an existing health problem bothering the senior as of the moment such as arthritis and gout. Swelling of the legs is treated by health care providers in the same way they treat inflammation and in minor cases, especially when there’s no immediate health risk to the swelling, is only given anti-inflammatory drugs. A patient who is suffering from mild swelling is almost always sent home and advised of proper home care such as elevating the feet when lying down, using support stockings and receiving mild massage to improve circulation. Application of hot and cold compress in an alternating manner can also improve your condition.
Edema is not a disease, not even heredity, and it is only one of the reasons why a person suffers swollen legs. Edema happens when extra fluid leaks out of their normal way and somehow accumulated in the lower extremities. When you stand or sit too long without moving, it is most likely to happen. It is also noted that when you consume too much salt, a person who is predisposed to such condition will certainly experience swelling of either the face or the person’s extremities. Liver and kidney diseases are known causes of edema. Please take note that edema can cause respiratory difficulties so it is important that you submit yourself to a doctor when you experience any kind of swelling to receive proper care.
Obesity can also cause swelling as the weight adds unnecessary pressure to lower extremities. If you suspect this is the cause of your swollen legs, you just have to take an extra effort in losing excess pounds and managing to stay within the ideal weight.