According to experts, correctly identifying the cause of edema is important in treating and preventing complications.
Dr. Tao Kien Xuan, Head of the Department of Peripheral Blood Diseases, Dongfang Hospital under Beijing Medical University (China), said that leg edema in the elderly is generally divided into two main groups of causes.
The first group is edema due to local circulatory disorders, most commonly including chronic venous insufficiency, venous thrombosis and lymphedema. These are the causes that account for the majority of clinical cases of leg edema. When the venous or lymphatic system is poorly functioning, fluid will stagnate in soft tissues, causing swelling in the lower limbs.
The second group is edema due to systemic diseases that cause the body to retain water or reduce the ability to bring fluid back to the lumen. Common causes include decreased blood protein due to malnutrition or liver disease, kidney disease causing protein loss through urine, impaired kidney function and heart failure. However, according to experts, systemic diseases account for a smaller proportion than local causes.
To determine the cause, patients need to be examined early when prolonged or recurrent swelling appears. Doctors will assess the condition of blood vessels, nerves, bones and joints as well as check the function of veins and organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys if necessary.
In addition to treating the cause, the elderly can apply some measures to help improve leg edema in daily activities. Experts recommend maintaining a balanced diet, supplementing enough protein to limit the risk of reduced blood albumin - one of the causes of edema.
In addition, some foods such as yam, celery and vitamin C-rich fruits such as oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits can contribute to supporting blood vessel health. Vitamin C helps maintain blood vessel wall structure, while a diet rich in green vegetables and fruits helps improve circulation and supports controlling edema.
However, experts note that prolonged leg edema should not be self-treated at home. Patients need to go to a medical facility for an accurate diagnosis of the cause, because this may be a warning sign that many cardiovascular, vascular or kidney diseases need to be treated early.
