After reaching old age, various diseases are more likely to occur, and foot swelling is also a disease. Therefore, all elderly people with foot swelling should pay attention. There may be several reasons for foot swelling in the elderly, and what are the specific methods to treat it? Please see below.
The Causes of Foot Swelling in the Elderly
(1) Long-term malnutrition and anemia can lead to hypoalbuminemia, which may cause lower limb and systemic edema.
(2) Some elderly people have a heavy taste and like to eat spicy and sour dishes, which leads to excessive sodium intake and causes edema.
(3) Internal organ diseases, at this time foot swelling is just a manifestation symptom of the disease. Different diseases have different patterns of edema.
When chronic right heart failure caused by heart disease, edema starts from the ankles of both lower limbs and gradually develops into the whole body.
When liver cirrhosis occurs, edema also starts from the ankles of both lower limbs, then ascites appears, and finally systemic edema occurs.
Patients with kidney disease may also have lower limb edema, but it generally starts with edema of the eyelids or face, and then develops into systemic edema.
Treatment Methods for Foot Swelling
1. Soaking Feet to Reduce Swelling
Soaking feet is the most common and excellent method to reduce swelling. Patients can soak their feet in warm water every day for about fifteen minutes, or they can use winter melon peel soup to soak their feet.
2. Dietary Therapy to Reduce Swelling
When choosing food, it should be rich in protein, vitamins, and inorganic salts, low in fat, low in cholesterol, and low in sugar and salt. Celery, radish, spinach, tomatoes, soybeans, mushrooms, garlic, fruits, and soy products can be eaten more.
3. Exercise to Reduce Swelling
The elderly should maintain a positive attitude and engage in regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, and using fitness equipment, to enhance their physical fitness and improve their adaptability. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, frequently move the lower limbs, and pay attention to lifting the lower limbs. In addition, sufficient sleep is a prerequisite for reducing swelling, so it is recommended that the elderly maintain a regular daily routine and have good sleep.
Dietary Therapy for Treating Foot Swelling in the Elderly
1. Beef Rice
Beef rice has the effect of reducing swelling. Cut 90g of fresh beef into minced meat, add ginger juice, vegetable oil, and a small amount of soy sauce, mix well and set aside. When the rice is almost cooked and the moisture is almost gone, add the beef and consume it after the rice is cooked.
2. Red Bean Stewed Carp
Red bean stewed carp is a folk remedy for reducing swelling. Take 90g of red beans, 1 carp (cleaned), and equal amounts of water and rice vinegar. Put them in a casserole with a little vegetable oil, cook for 1 hour, and drink the soup and eat the residue.
3. Astragalus and Pig Stomach Congee
Both astragalus and pig stomach have diuretic effects.
Astragalus and pig stomach congee: Take 80g of astragalus, decoct it for an hour, remove the residue, add rice to cook congee, and add pig stomach. Add salt and consume it when cooked.
