Swollen feet are an issue that many seniors deal with on a regular basis, and it’s a condition that shouldn’t be overlooked for a number of reasons. Not only can swollen feet affect your balance and coordination, but it also could be indicative of a larger health problem under the surface, so don’t ignore the issue. In today’s blog, we share some tips for caring for your swollen feet and what you should do if you’re dealing with chronic foot swelling.
Managing Swollen Feet
The first thing you should do if you notice that you’re dealing with swelling or fluid retention in your feet is to consult with a foot specialist or your primary care physician to get a better idea of the underlying issue. As we mentioned above, swollen feet can be caused by a variety of issues, including but not limited to:
- Congestive heart failure/Cardiovascular issues
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Blood Clots
- Inactivity
It’s imperative to understand the underlying cause because it will affect the recommended course of treatment. Exercise is oftentimes recommended to help move fluid out of the extremities, but increased exercise could be hard on the heart or kidneys, so you want to be sure any treatment won’t put too much stress on the body. Once you’ve consulted with a specialist and they’ve developed a diagnosis, odds are they’ll recommend one or more of the following treatments. It’s important to follow the instructions of the surgeon who can see your specific issues in person; the following are just some common treatments that may be helpful to certain individuals:
Exercise – If your doctor believes you are healthy enough for activity, they will likely recommend some specific forms of exercise or encourage you to live a more active lifestyle. For some that may simply mean walking an extra 10-30 minutes a day, while others may be challenged with seeking out more intensive aerobic conditioning.
Improving Your Diet – Reducing the amount of salt and carbohydrates you consume can also help with your fluid retention issues. Work towards a healthier diet, and you may have more luck moving fluid in and out of your feet.
Compression Stockings – Compression stockings or socks are a nice passive way to help open your blood vessels and make it easier for fluid to flow in and out of an area. They should not be your only treatment option, but they can be a helpful compliment to other suggestions on this list.
Stay Hydrated – You might think that the last thing you want to do if your feet are retaining fluid is to consume plenty of water, but staying hydrated can actually help with fluid movement out of the feet. Your body tries to retain fluid if it is dehydrated, whereas a hydrated body will be able to push blood through blood vessels easier, helping move it out of your feet.
Weight Loss – Losing weight can help take pressure and stress off our feet. The added strain of our body weight can trigger an inflammatory response in our ankles and feet, leading to more fluid retention. Losing just a little weight can take a lot of stress off your feet and reduce fluid retention.
Medications – Medications to help with fluid retention shouldn’t be a stand-alone option, but they can help build on the progress you’ve achieved with some of the other techniques on this list.
If you’re concerned about your swollen feet or the feet of a senior citizen in your life, reach out to Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot to come up with a care plan. Give us a call today at (952) 224-8500.
