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Is your mother immobilized (ie. bedridden or wheelchair bound)? If so it could just be due to fluid building up in her extremities due to her immobility. You can try elevating her feet so they are above her heart and see if it helps. Varicose veins that can attribute to fluid back-up too. HOWEVER, it can also indicate a more serious condition - congestive heart, liver, or kidney failure to mention a few. I would definitely recommend making an appointment with her doctor just to be on the safe side.
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The lady I care for is 89, and she had swollen ankles and feet. Soon, her entire lower legs started to swell. She refused to go to the doctor no matter how much we pleaded with her. Finally, after all three Caregivers went to her one day...we told her if she refused to see a doctor, we were going to call an ambulance. She relented, and I drove her to the doctors office the same day. The doctor immediately admitted her into the hospital. After much investigation, and treatment, it turned out that my boss had taken a fall, and had a hair line fracture in her hip. She didnt want to tell any of the Caregivers that she had gotten up out of bed to use her toilet without calling for assistance. Then to make matters worse, her at had scratched her leg the previous week, and the result was cellulitis. That fracture coupled with water retention, and cellulitis made her feet, and legs swell. I'm so glad we got her to the doctor in time. She can be extremely stubborn, and going to see a doctor is one of the things we have to fight to get her to do. Her health is great now. But, the swelling could be from and number of issues. Don't wait, take her to the doc ASAP!
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She needs to see a doctor asap, swelling of the feet and ankles is a symptom of congestive heart failure.
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YES....could be several things, some
serious some not. The key is
That it just started.
So needs to be examined.

Good luck and take care
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Good job in getting her to the Dr.! You're right. Anytime there is ANY change in status, a symptom or a new complaint about a pain, or if something doesn't look right always, always get it checked out. Cellulitis can be a nasty infection that can make someone very, very ill. I'm glad it worked out!
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I took her to the doc today and they are doing blood work also setup a test for her heart (eco gram) ?? to be sure it is working properly. Thanks to everyone for your help, this site is so very helpfull in so many ways. THANK YOU
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My 89 year old mother has had her left leg swelling up for at least 3 weeks. She is in hospice. is this just heart issues or could she have a fracture? She tells me it is painful. She goes to the bed to the wheelchair. She can stand alittle.
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Dottie, get it seen by an actual doctor. One-sidedness tends to rule out a systemic cause like heart failure, and it's possible something got damaged during a transfer - it happens, no blame need attach to anyone. Besides, she's in pain! Stamp and shout until someone turns up and has a proper look at her. Please update!
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Thanks churchmouse. I'm not a stomp and shout kind of person, but I have learned this year as I drive her care. We have a nurse who comes to our house but I will call tomorrow and let them know I am bringing her in and want x-rays.
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Dottie get her examined before you demand an x-ray - it may not be necessary, and there are other ways they can tell if she's dislocated something or sprained it or whatever. I know what you mean about having had to develop our "advocacy skills" - aka stomping and shouting! ;)
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Thanks for the help churchmouse will do!
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My mom has swollen feet doctor says no heart problem she refuses to were those stocking what can I do for her
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My mom has swollen feet doctor says no heart problem she refuses to were those stocking what can I do for her
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Mother in law has very puffy swollen feet. Rapid response team are coming out to see her today. She sleeps in a chair doesn’t ever lay down or walk about much. She’s 96
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My mother has cellulitis on her legs from bring sedentary... her legs looked all blistered and scabby. I have tried a lot of other products, but nothing worked as well as the Made from Earth Pure Aloe Skin Treatment. Within three days her legs were definitely much better, and after a week of using this just once a day, the problem is almost gone.
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The three care measures to use in these situations are elevation of the lower extremities, compression stockings and water pills (diuretics). Also limit salt intake as salt causes fluid retention.
Cellulitis can develop easily if the fluid remains. While the person often bucks sitting with their legs elevated, it must be done. Walking helps to get the veins working in the legs to assist the blood in getting back up to the heart, but usually walking is hard to do when the person has such heavy swollen legs.
Lymphedema can cause the above as well and is not easily treated. It’s a chronic condition. Often the PCP can order a device worn on the legs for intermittent compression. The person has to go and get measured for this device and the family taught how to use it. The pump is considered durable medical equipment and you will need a prescription for it.
Usually lower extremity swelling in the elderly is due to CHF, chronic venous insufficiency, poor nutrition (low albumin) or renal disease. Have the person thoroughly examined by their PCP with lab work, ultrasound of lower extremities, echocardiogram, etc to make sure they are prescribed the right medication for their disease but the first thing is someone has to determine the cause or diagnosis.
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My mother law is pre diabetic and bedridden. Feet swell and now one thigh is collecting fluid. She's been examine and no breaks. What can be down to get her feet to go down?
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Read the posts above, lots of good advice.
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If MIL is bedridden then elevation isn't going to do the trick...

PattyMae, other than looking for injuries to her limbs, has your MIL been thoroughly checked out by a doctor? Is she on any medication?
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Guys, My mother's hand swells like a ballon at night. She was told to keep her hands above the heart, while sleeping, but it difficult to maintain during sleep. Have seen multiple doctors but everyone says it's aging. She is 80 years old.

Can you guys please recommend some treatments, which can resolve this issue? This issue keeps her up all night, most of the days.
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My Moms feet started swelling. She had high BP and one kidney working half capacity. Dr said just to elevate her feet. She sat most of the day.
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