Seniors often have problems with swollen feet, which can be painful and make it hard to move around. Thankfully there are a few tips for loved ones and their elder care team to help when the pain and swelling disrupt seniors’ daily lives.
Encourage Regular Movement
Not moving enough can cause fluid to build up in the feet and make them swell. Encourage seniors to do gentle exercises that get the blood flowing, like walking, stretching, or even simple foot and ankle movements. This can be difficult when the swelling is already there, but the elder care team can monitor the situation and watch for signs to ensure seniors have the best care.
Raise the Feet
When the feet are raised, extra fluid can drain away from the area, which can help reduce swelling. Encourage seniors to put their feet on a footstool or some pillows when sitting or lying down. This should be done several times daily, each for 15 to 30 minutes.
Encourage Proper Hydration
Staying well-hydrated is essential to help seniors avoid fluid retention. The elder care team can encourage seniors to drink throughout the day by providing gentle reminders and monitoring their intake.
Compression Therapy
Compression clothing can help reduce foot swelling. The gentle pressure from these specialized clothes helps blood flow and keeps fluid from building up. To ensure a proper fit, loved ones and the elder care team can help seniors choose the proper clothing for them. Compression socks are often the most common choice.
Get Foot Massages
Massaging the feet can help with blood flow, reduce swelling, and help seniors rest. The elder care team or loved ones can help with this, using strokes that go up toward the heart. When giving a foot massage, it’s important to understand any medical problems or sensitivities seniors have.
Pay Attention to Their Shoes
Shoes that don’t fit right can worsen foot swelling and cause pain. It’s essential that seniors’ shoes that fit well support them and allow for some swelling, as this is normal. Seniors should avoid shoes with tight straps or high heels, which can cause too much swelling and reduce blood flow. It may be necessary to talk with a podiatrist about the best shoes.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet
Eating well can help the feet stay healthy and reduce swelling. The elder care team can develop healthy food plans that encourage seniors to eat foods low in sodium since too much sodium can cause fluid buildup. Also, seniors should eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, because these foods are full of essential nutrients that help the blood flow and general health.
Talk to a Medical Professional
If seniors try home treatments and the swelling doesn’t go away or worsens, they need to see a doctor who can determine the cause and provide a treatment plan.
It’s important to understand that each senior’s case is different, and it’s necessary to remember existing medical conditions when dealing with swollen feet. With support from elder care and loved ones, seniors can get the care they need for their swollen feet.
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