Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi My Mother Is 91. She Has Very Bad Swelling
Posted on
Sat, 27 Apr 2019
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 27 Apr 2019
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi
My mother is 91. She has very bad swelling in her lower legs. Lacex does not help. She has very bad arthritis, and has had one knee replaced. No Dr. has said there is anything wrong with her heart, liver or kidneys. She is overweight, does not have high blood sugar.
My mother is 91. She has very bad swelling in her lower legs. Lacex does not help. She has very bad arthritis, and has had one knee replaced. No Dr. has said there is anything wrong with her heart, liver or kidneys. She is overweight, does not have high blood sugar.
Brief Answer:
Please give additional information - elevate lower limbs above heart level
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history about your 91 year old Mother and understood the concerns.
Please give some additional information for me to assist you better:
Since when is the problem present?
Are the toes involved (edematous/swollen) or are normal in size?
Any other medications tried?
When was the knee replacement done? Any difference in legs on the operated and non-operated sides?
What is the extent of swelling? Below knee joints or affecting the whole limbs from groin down?
Any swelling or lymph nodes in the groin?
Is the color of skin normal?
What about thyroid functions, serum proteins and hemoglobin?
If you can, post clear and focused photos of the affected area.
If Lasix is not working then it is necessary to find the cause.
You may please try the following:
It is very important to provide dependent drainage in the following ways:
Elevate and support both the lower limbs in such a way that there is no discomfort at all. Elevate the heels at least few inches above the 'heart level' in laying down position. This will allow the drainage of excessive fluid retained to cause the swelling.
Rest of the treatment after the specific cause is found.
I hope this answer helps you.
Awaiting for your feedback.
With Regards.
Dr T Chandrakant.
Please give additional information - elevate lower limbs above heart level
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history about your 91 year old Mother and understood the concerns.
Please give some additional information for me to assist you better:
Since when is the problem present?
Are the toes involved (edematous/swollen) or are normal in size?
Any other medications tried?
When was the knee replacement done? Any difference in legs on the operated and non-operated sides?
What is the extent of swelling? Below knee joints or affecting the whole limbs from groin down?
Any swelling or lymph nodes in the groin?
Is the color of skin normal?
What about thyroid functions, serum proteins and hemoglobin?
If you can, post clear and focused photos of the affected area.
If Lasix is not working then it is necessary to find the cause.
You may please try the following:
It is very important to provide dependent drainage in the following ways:
Elevate and support both the lower limbs in such a way that there is no discomfort at all. Elevate the heels at least few inches above the 'heart level' in laying down position. This will allow the drainage of excessive fluid retained to cause the swelling.
Rest of the treatment after the specific cause is found.
I hope this answer helps you.
Awaiting for your feedback.
With Regards.
Dr T Chandrakant.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
