Elder Care: What Causes Swollen Feet and Ankles in the Elderly?
Elder Care: You’ve noticed your dad’s feet and ankles are swollen by late afternoon.
It’s worse when he’s been on his feet more than usual. While this can be alarming, it’s not always a problem. The best thing to do is talk to his doctor about your concerns. Having elder care providers on hand to keep an eye out for swollen ankles and feet is a good idea. Swollen feet and ankles can be a sign of a health issue, but there are other reasons. Here are some of the possibilities.
Elder Care in Quakertown IL: Swollen Feet and Ankles
Medication Side Effects
Some medication side effects can cause edema. Swelling can be linked to antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, and steroids. If your dad is on any prescription medications that can cause swelling in the extremities, talk to his doctor about alternatives.
The side effects like swelling may be more tolerable than risking his health. It may simply be best to deal with the side effects by making sure he has shoes that fit when his ankles and feet swell up.
Gout
Is your dad’s entire foot swollen? Or, is it specific toes, such as the big toe? Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals in the joints. The joint of the big toe is one of the most prevalent areas for a gout attack.
If it’s the big toe that’s swollen, your dad may be experiencing gout. Changing his diet to avoid red meat, alcohol, and shellfish is crucial at lowering the risk of a flare-up.
Vein and Artery Health
When the veins or blood vessels experience blockages, it can make blood circulation more difficult. This can result from peripheral artery disease or issues like varicose veins. That can lead to swelling.
Your dad’s doctor can run tests to look for blockages. If there is plaque build-up in the legs, medications and surgical measures can resolve issues. Daily exercise also helps.
Varicose veins are treated through regular exercise, avoidance of sitting for long periods and losing weight. Medical treatments like surgery or laser treatments can also help.
Elder Care: Heat and Humidity
If it’s hot and humid, the hot weather can trigger swollen feet and ankles. Heat causes the blood vessels to dilate. The body protects the organs like the kidneys from the heat by pushing the warmer blood to the feet and hands to cool off. This can lead to swelling.
Staying inside with a fan or in air conditioning helps. It’s also helpful to take cool showers to help keep the body temperature from increasing.
After talking to a doctor, your dad needs to follow through with his care plan. If he’s told to walk every day, elder care aides accompany him and offer the encouragement he needs. Talk to an elder care specialist to schedule services.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Quakertown, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
- Elder Care Strategies for Assisting Seniors in Shingles Recovery - December 29, 2023
- Physical Therapy at Home: How Seniors Can Maximize Benefits - December 19, 2023
- Personal Care at Home: A Guide to Senior Skin Care - December 13, 2023