Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Share
The legs are the most prone to swelling because the return of fluid to the heart is against gravity.
Therefore any problem in terms of excess fluid within the body, reduced heart function,
problems with the blood vessels and related dysfunction will lead to fluid accumulating in the
legs first before arising in other parts of the body. Leg swelling is therefore a sign of an
underlying problem in one or more of these systems.
Venous insufficiency where the leg veins are compromised and the blood from the legs
cannot return to the heart efficiently. It is due to conditions like varicose veins where the
valves in the veins are inadequate and the veins bulge. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is
one of the serious conditions that can arise in the elderly if the clot in the leg dislodges,
it can block the artery in the lungs which can be fatal.
Heart failure where the heart cannot pump blood effectively which also compromises
the return of blood to the heart.
Kidney problems where the kidneys ability to regulate the water levels in the body are
affected thereby causing the retention of fluid in the body.
Fractures of the leg bone which is more commonly in the elderly with age-related
decrease in bone density and diseases that causes brittle bones like osteoporosis.
Sometimes if there is damage of the nerves in the leg like with long term diabetes
mellitus and there may be no severe pain despite a fracture.
Joint swelling particularly in the toe, ankle or knee joints due to conditions such as
rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoarthritis which are also more frequently seen in the
elderly.
Medication for conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes
mellitus. These conditions are also more common in the elderly and require lifelong
medication. Swelling may arise as a side effect.
Although these are not the only conditions that cause leg swelling, it is among the more common
and important causes of a swollen leg in an elderly person. Further diagnostic investigation is
necessary to conclusively identify the cause. Leg swelling should be assessed by a medical
professional and treated accordingly. Measures such as elevating the legs and resting can reduce
swelling to some extent but medical treatment is necessary.
Related Articles