Although swollen ankles may seem like a frequent and unimportant problem, for elderly people, this seemingly benign ailment may be a warning sign of more serious health issues. Our bodies change as we get older, and it’s important to pay attention to even the slightest symptoms in order to maintain our general health. We’ll explore the causes of swollen ankles in seniors in this blog post, along with the reasons it needs more care than first appears. With strong support from loved ones and the home care team, seniors get the care they need to continue to live independently.

Understanding Ankle Swelling

Peripheral edema, another name for swollen ankles, is the result of an unusual buildup of fluid in the tissues around the ankles. All age groups are susceptible to this ailment, but seniors are more vulnerable because of age-related issues like weakening veins, decreased circulation, and a higher chance of developing medical disorders.

Common Reasons for Ankle Swelling

Monitoring and checking in with seniors on a consistent basis can help identify the reasons behind ankle swelling. Both loved ones and the home care team can work together to provide this support and ensure that seniors get the care they need.

• Venous Insufficiency: This is a major contributing factor to senior ankle swelling. Essentially, senior veins may become less elastic with aging, making blood circulation more challenging. This causes fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities, which leads to edema.
• Heart Conditions: It’s common knowledge that heart-related problems are more likely to affect seniors. However, seniors and loved ones might not realize that fluid retention, especially in the lower limbs, can result from conditions such as congestive heart failure. Knowing this, it’s important to understand that ankle swelling may be a precursor to cardiac issues.
• Kidney Dysfunction: The kidneys are largely responsible for maintaining the body’s fluid balance. Renal function may deteriorate with age, which can cause fluid retention and ankle edema. Chronic renal disease is frequently to blame.
• Adverse Effects of Medication: Many seniors take multiple medications to treat different medical issues. Swollen ankles can be a side effect of some medications, including steroids and some blood pressure medications. The good news is that the home care team can help seniors monitor this and encourage them to talk with their medical providers if need be.

How Can Swollen Ankles Affect Seniors’ Day-to-Day?

Home care providers, seniors, and loved ones all need to pay attention to ankle swelling since it could be a sign of something more serious. Consider the ways that ankle swelling might affect seniors’ day-to-day.

• Reduced Mobility: Seniors who have persistent ankle swelling may find it more difficult to move around and more likely to fall. Accidents can be avoided and mobility can be preserved by addressing the underlying cause and putting the right solutions in place.
• Quality of Life: Chronic swelling, which can cause pain and discomfort, can have a significant negative impact on a senior’s quality of life. These symptoms can be reduced, and general wellbeing can be improved, by determining and treating the underlying reasons.

Seniors’ swollen ankles should never be written off as a normal aspect of aging. Rather, they ought to be interpreted as an indication that there might be a more serious issue. Addressing the underlying reasons for swollen ankles in seniors and ensuring they lead meaningful lives requires regular health check-ups, an active lifestyle, as well as the home care team and loved ones keeping an eye for subtle changes.

Sources:
https://westhartfordhealth.com/news/senior-health/swollen-ankles-in-seniors
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/leg-swelling-in-aging/

If you are considering home care in Bay City, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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