Oedema in the Elderly
What is oedema?
Oedema, according to the NHS, is a “swelling in the ankles, feet and legs…often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas.” This can happen for a variety of reasons, and can be longer-term, for instance caused by an ongoing medical condition, or something that disappears after a few days. Oedema can also be a symptom of something as yet undetected so if it doesn’t get better within a few days, it should always be checked by a medical professional.
Oedema can make carrying out your everyday routine more difficult, so if you’re trying to keep your feet up and rest your swollen legs, having some support around the house from Helping Hands can make a world of difference. Our visiting care and live-in care assistants can offer help with everything you would normally do yourself, such as housework, personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and appointments and activities outside of your home. And because all of our services are fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales, you can be sure you’ll receive exemplary support for as long as you need us.
What are Symptoms of Oedema in the Elderly
Symptoms of oedema vary, but commonly include:
Puffy or swollen feet, ankles, or legs
This is caused by the effects of gravity causing the fluid in the tissues to fall downwards.
Stretched or shiny skin, or skin pitting
Symptoms are caused by the presence of fluid in the tissues
Changes in skin colour
Excess swelling can cause a pink, red, or brown colour to the skin
Stiffness and discomfort
Inflammation of the joints can make it difficult to walk
What Causes Oedema in the Elderly?
Oedema can be caused by short term situations, such as standing or sitting in the same position for too long, a strain or sprain, an insect bite or sting, or eating too much salty food. It can also occur because of longer-term conditions like pregnancy, being overweight, or the side effects of certain medications. This can include blood pressure medications, hormone therapy, antidepressants, or steroids. Oedema can also be caused by more serious medical conditions such as a blood clot, an infection, or problems with the heart, kidneys, or liver.
What is the treatment for oedema?
In most cases, oedema will go down on its own after a few days of changing lifestyle. This can include raising the legs, wearing looser clothing and comfortable shoes, eating less salt, and not remaining in the same position too long. Gentle exercises may also help, but a medical professional should be consulted before major changes in lifestyle are considered.
Exercises to reduce oedema
Ankle Pumps
Ankle pumps are one of the easiest ways to control swelling as they assist in pumping blood to the heart by muscle contraction which can relieve oedema and help to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Ankle pumps can be done lying down or sitting on a chair. Toes should be flexed and held for three seconds, then toes should be pointed down, as if pushing on a care accelerator, for three seconds. This cycle should be repeated ten times.
Glute squeezes
Glute squeezes are a highly effective exercise to reduce leg swelling and increase circulation. These can also be done sitting on a chair or lying down. The buttock muscles (glutes) should be squeezed, tightened, and held for a few seconds. The muscles should then be relaxed and the exercise repeated ten times.
Single Knee To Chest
This type of exercise can help with swollen ankles, strengthen knees, and won’t strain muscles. They should be carried out lying on your back, feet flat on floor with knees bent. Raise one leg to the chest and then bring it back down, followed by the other leg.
Lifestyle changes that can help reduce swelling
Compression stockings
These can help to relieve oedema by relieving pressure and increasing circulation.
Magnesium Rich Diet
This can help swollen ankles as well as bone health, supporting a healthy nervous system and cognitive development.
Sufficient hydration
Keeping hydrated can help reduce swelling, as dehydration makes the body hold on to the fluid is already has.
Epsom Salt Baths
Soaking feet in Epsom salts can ease muscle pain and swelling, and also ease stress and tension. They are magnesium-rich and can also help with muscle and joint pain.
How Helping Hands can help with Elderly Care
Elderly care from Helping Hands will ensure that if you’re living with oedema, you can have all the assistance you need, while continuing to live in the home you love. Our outstanding care delivery will mean that if you are struggling to carry out your usual daily tasks we can help. We don’t just offer practical assistance – we’ll encourage you to eat well, keep hydrated, and to enjoy your days through companionship and making the most of the local area.
We recruit only the most compassionate people to our care teams, ensuring they have natural qualities of kindness, as well as the desire to care for others at heart. We build on their existing skills through training and development, equipping them with knowledge that they can then apply to their customers’ support. We have been delivering exceptional care and support since we were established in 1989, and with branches across England and Wales you can guarantee we’re near you.