Each and every step hurts when your leg, ankle or foot swells.
Swollen limbs caused by vein problems, surgery, poor circulation or heart disease can interfere with daily routines.
Family members can help in controlling swelling at home by raising the limb(s) involved; encouraging slight movement in the affected limbs; arranging sleeping accommodations that will support relief for both legs; and encouraging the individual to perform a variety of smaller daily activities.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is informational only and should not be treated as medical guidance. Consult a licensed medical professional prior to starting or changing any therapy plan.
What Causes Edema?
When fluid builds up within the cell walls, swelling (edema) develops.
Some common reasons for swelling include:
Damage to veins (Varicosity) resulting in poor blood circulation.
Heart or kidney/liver disease.
Side effects of certain medications.
A sedentary lifestyle (prolonged periods of either standing or sitting).
Postsurgery swelling.
There are potentially serious causes of swelling, particularly in cases of acute or painful swelling. Please seek evaluation from a medical professional to determine the cause of swelling.
Before Starting Any Therapy Plan, Consult a Healthcare Provider
Contact your physician or RN if you have developed new or increasing swelling.
Your physician/RN may:
Evaluate the effectiveness of your blood circulation.
Review the medications you take.
Order laboratory studies, ultrasound studies, etc. to diagnose possible causes
Recommend measures to minimize potential complications (e.g., maximum height to which you can elevate your legs, travel restrictions, etc.)
Once the recommendations are provided to you by your healthcare team, you will be able to establish a routine at home that will support those recommendations.
Fluid Migrates Toward Heart Elevated Legs
Elevating your legs is one of the most common methods for relieving swelling and pain in the legs. Elevating allows the legs to be positioned high enough to allow fluid to migrate toward the heart and thus remain in the lower legs and feet. Some older adults have spent a significant amount of time resting either in bed or in a reclining chair. Renting a Hospital Bed for Seniors has been found to provide additional benefits for these people as they are able to raise the bed (thus both upper and lower body) while utilizing soft and stable adjustment features to prevent piling up too many pillows.
Try these tips for the best outcomes:
Elevate your legs higher than your head/head and/or even with your head (subject to physician approval)
Do not press on the back of the knee. This decreases blood flow
Choose firm pillows/wedges that do not fall apart right away
Gentle Movement: Little and Often
Rest is beneficial for you but too much rest or prolonged periods of inactivity may increase swelling.
Permission for Gentle Movements (if approved by doctor):
Walk around the house several times per day in shorter strides
Ankle circles & toe pumps (while seated or lying down)
Knee flexion/extensions (only if jointfriendly)
Instead of remaining in one location for hours, move around more.
The calf muscle acts similar to a pump, and even minimal movement pushes fluid back into your legs.
Compressing (if prescribed).
Several patients are issued specific compression stockings or wraps.
Compression helps reduce swelling by creating gentle pressure on the leg to restrict excessive fluid accumulation in the leg.
Important Factors to Consider:
Only prescribe compression with a prescription from a medical doctor
Identify appropriate size and strength stockings
Put on in AM after waking; usually swelling is lowest at this time
Inspect skin closely for signs of redness, soreness or irritation
Notify your doctor immediately if compressive garments become uncomfortable or too tight.
Skin Protection and Relieving Discomfort
Because of inflammation, sensitive, itchy and easytobreak skin needs some basic protection:
Clean and dry your skin (particularly toes)
Apply fragrance-free mild moisturizer to dry skin (avoid applying to open wounds)
Minimize extremely hot bath/shower
Wear light weight and loose fitting socks. Wear clothes that do not cling to your skin.
A rented hospital bed for seniors will give you a safe and comfortable place to care for a loved one by rolling them over; relieving heel pressure; and maintaining healthy skin.
Helpful Sleep Positions and Sleeping Arrangements During Day/Night Time Hours
Leg pain and swelling can occur more intensely at night, and can be worse during daytime hours. Sleeping positions that provide comfort can significantly impact quality of sleep. Try:
Utilizing sturdy pillows/wedges that can be utilized to elevate your lower legs as far as possible (if approved)
Stay away from heavy blankets that put pressure on the toes
A pillow between the knees (if permitted/safe and not too uncomfortable) while lying on your side
Having a lamp near your bedside so it is safer for you to get out of bed at night and go to the restroom
Low beds are difficult to enter and exit from. Therefore, you may wish to look into renting a hospital bed for elderly citizens to assist you with adjusting the bed’s head or leg sections.
Transforming Your Home Into A Healing Haven One Deliberate Choice At A Time
In addition to simply addressing your legs, homebased edema/swelling/pain management involves all aspects of your living environment.
Conduct a review of your home and ask yourself:
Are there clear pathways for walking or navigating in a wheelchair?
Are there solid arm chairs where I can safely sit or stand up from?
Does the bathroom present obstructions for walking; aid bar for assistance; and slip resistant mat?
Is there ample room for my caregiver(s) surrounding my bed?
Additionally, some families find that having a hospital bed for purchase for elderly people can create an environment that reduces swelling and promotes mobility.
Small daily habits are generally more productive than major practices. Your healthcare provider may also suggest habits based upon your general health condition. Unless instructed differently by your healthcare provider, drink lots of fluids. Limit sodium intake from foods that retain excess fluids. Avoid sitting with dangling legs for extended lengths of time. Weigh yourself daily. It’s best to weigh yourself at the same time each day. You may also choose to keep a simple log to document degrees of swelling; areas where swelling is located; pain levels; and things you’ve done that helped. Have this log handy for meetings with your healthcare providers so they can monitor trends.
Emergency Medical Services
Call a doctor, nurse or 911/emergency services immediately if you notice:
New or growing swelling
The swollen limb appears red; warm; tender
Chest discomfort; difficulty breathing; loss of consciousness
Confusion/Weakness
Increased swelling could indicate possible blood clots (Deep Venous Thrombosis); or an infected blood clot (Septic Embolism). Both are life threatening emergencies requiring immediate medical intervention.
Collaboration With Healthcare Providers And Supply Chain Partners
Healthcare teams, Occupational Therapists; Physiotherapist; Registered Nurse; Equipment Suppliers are only a few examples of professionals you can work with to develop a customized home care plan addressing your home environment and healthrelated challenges. They may be able to modify elements such as widening/narrowing chair widths, heightening/decreasing bed/chair height, recommending exercises/movements/constraints. Many families rent hospital beds for senior citizens to follow their doctors orders regarding how many times they need to elevate themselves throughout the day and how to safely get in/out of bed without injuring their own backs/joints. Additionally, they can identify products currently available (such as pressure relief mattresses; positioning devices/products) that you can rent; describe these products; teach you proper utilization techniques and guide you on how to utilize them safely.
Establishing A Consistent Routine
Establishing a consistent homebased routine for managing edema/swelling/pain takes time, persistence and supportive relationships.
With elevated legs, moderate motion, compression (as needed); protecting skin; maintaining a clean/home environment; you can continue to promote independence/safety in your own home. Once your healthcare team provides directions on required equipment layout, you can transform your home into a healing haven – one deliberate decision at a time.
Disclaimer: This article was prepared for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Before implementing any new homebased routine or utilizing specialized medical equipment to treat swelling, always consult a licensed medical professional.