Swollen ankles are a common issue that many older adults face. While they’re often not a cause for alarm, they can still lead to discomfort and mobility issues. The good news is that there are simple strategies to help prevent ankle swelling and keep your loved ones feeling more comfortable and active.
At Prestige Nursing & Care, we understand the unique challenges that older adults encounter. Our private elderly care at home provides the right support and guidance to help prevent conditions like ankle swelling from affecting daily life. With the proper care and attention, your loved ones can enjoy greater comfort and mobility.
Why are swollen ankles common in older adults?
As we age, our bodies undergo a variety of changes that can make us more susceptible to conditions like swollen ankles. In older adults, swollen ankles can be a frequent occurrence due to a combination of natural ageing processes and underlying health conditions.
Ageing and circulatory changes
One of the primary reasons older adults experience swollen ankles is due to changes in the circulatory system. The blood vessels in our legs and feet can lose their elasticity as we grow older and become less efficient at pumping blood back to the heart. This can lead to fluid accumulation in the lower body, causing swelling. The veins in the legs may also become weaker, making it harder to keep blood flowing upward and prevent it from pooling in the feet and ankles.
Decreased physical activity
Another factor contributing to swollen ankles in older adults is a decrease in physical activity. As mobility declines, whether due to injury, arthritis, or natural ageing, the lack of movement can reduce circulation in the lower legs. Prolonged periods of sitting or standing can increase the likelihood of fluid retention and swelling.
Medications and side effects
Some older adults are on medications to manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Some of these medications, such as calcium channel blockers and corticosteroids, can have side effects that include fluid retention and swelling in the ankles and feet.
Underlying health conditions
Certain medical conditions are more common in older adults and can contribute to swollen ankles:
- Heart Disease: Heart failure can lead to poor circulation and fluid buildup, particularly in the legs and ankles.
- Kidney Disease: When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they may fail to remove excess fluid from the body, leading to swelling.
- Venous Insufficiency: This occurs when the veins in the legs are unable to return blood to the heart efficiently, causing blood to pool and fluid to accumulate.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like arthritis can affect the joints in the ankles, leading to swelling and discomfort.
- Obesity: Extra weight can put additional strain on the body’s circulatory system, contributing to swelling in the lower extremities.
Hormonal changes
In some cases, hormonal imbalances, such as those related to menopause or thyroid dysfunction, can contribute to fluid retention. While these changes are more common in women, they can affect both genders as they age.
Potential risks of swollen ankles
While swollen ankles in older adults are often not life threatening, they can lead to a range of complications if left untreated, such as:
- Discomfort and pain: Fluid buildup causes tight, painful, and heavy feeling in the ankles.
- Impact on mobility: Difficulty walking or standing due to reduced ankle flexibility and pain.
- Increased risk of falls: Swelling leads to stiffness and balance issues, raising the risk of tripping or falling.
- Skin changes and infections: Prolonged swelling can cause skin irritation, ulcers, and increased infection risk.
- Blood clots: Swelling can signal poor circulation, increasing the risk of blood clots, which can be life-threatening.
- Worsening of chronic conditions: Swollen ankles can exacerbate underlying health issues, such as heart disease or kidney failure.
Tips for managing swollen ankles
While swollen ankles can be a concern, there are several ways to help prevent and manage the condition:
Encourage regular movement and exercise
One of the best ways to prevent swollen ankles is to keep the body moving. Regular exercise, even simple home exercises, help improve blood circulation and prevents fluid from pooling in the lower extremities. Simple activities such as:
- Walking: Encourage daily walks, which help keep blood flowing in the legs.
- Leg lifts and ankle circles: These exercises can be done while seated or lying down to improve circulation.
- Stretching: Gentle stretching of the calves, ankles, and legs can improve flexibility and reduce tension.
Elevate the feet
When sitting or lying down, encourage elevating the feet above heart level. This helps fluid drain from the ankles and reduces the pressure caused by accumulated fluids. You can:
- Use pillows or cushions to prop up the legs when resting.
- Try elevating the feet for 20-30 minutes several times a day to allow the fluid to return to the upper body.
Compression socks or stockings
Compression socks or stockings are designed to apply gentle pressure to the lower legs, which helps improve circulation and reduce swelling. They can be particularly helpful during long periods of sitting or standing. Ensure that:
- The socks are the correct size and fit properly to avoid cutting off circulation.
- Compression is gradual, with more pressure around the ankle and less as you move up the leg.
Stay hydrated
Proper hydration plays a crucial role in reducing swollen ankles. When the body is dehydrated, it can retain more fluid as a response. To prevent this:
- Encourage drinking water throughout the day, especially if the person spends a lot of time in a warm environment or is taking medications that might contribute to dehydration.
- Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, as they can increase dehydration.
Dietary adjustments
What we eat can have a direct impact on fluid retention. To help manage swollen ankles:
- Reduce salt intake: High sodium levels can cause the body to retain water. Encourage meals that are low in processed foods and high in fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Increase potassium-rich foods: Potassium helps balance out sodium and can reduce swelling. Include foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and avocados.
- Balanced nutrition: A balanced, heart healthy diet will support overall circulation and health, preventing many underlying issues that contribute to swelling.
Monitor weight
Carrying excess weight can place additional strain on the circulatory system, which can worsen swelling in the ankles. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce this risk and promote better circulation.
When to seek medical attention
While swollen ankles are often manageable with lifestyle changes, there are times when seeking medical attention is essential.
If the swelling persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it may indicate an underlying medical condition.
Seek medical attention if:
- Swelling doesn’t improve
- Rapid or sudden swelling occurs
- Pain, warmth, or redness occurs in one leg
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Redness, warmth, or fever
- Dizziness or confusion
A helping hand at home
For 80 years, Prestige Nursing & Care has been trusted by our clients and their families to provide competent and compassionate home care. Our care is focused on improving health and overall well-being, and all in the place people love most – their own homes.
Call us on 0808 239 1525 and our friendly care experts will discuss your care and support needs. You can also fill out our online enquiry form or email info@prestige-nursing.co.uk. We provide impartial guidance and advice so you make the right choice for you and your family.
