Swollen purple feet/lower legs

[Pineapplepine]

my DGM has been recently developing swollen feet/lower legs. However today they seem alarmingly swollen and purple. She is going to the dr tomorrow with my DM. Does anyone have any experience of this and if it is something to be quite concerned about? Thanks

It looks like Edema. A build up of fluids in the body.
Does she have CHF?
The doctor will prescribe meds that will make her use bathroom more frequently.
Keep her legs raised.
Hopefully it clears up.
If the legs start to weep (plasma clear liquid), she will need them dressed.

dr will check the heart as well.
might suggest flight socks.

exercises might be recommended as well.

Probably caused by heart failure. Keep them elevated at hip level for now.

Thank you

What is CHF?

CHF = Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure. Her heart can’t pump as well as it used to, resulting in fluid pooling - feet and ankles are classic. People do live with heart failure for years, it’s very common in the elderly.

CHF - Congestive Heart Failure. Doesn’t mean the heart has packed up completely, just that it’s not working as well as it should.

She may be prescribed diuretics, which will make her urinate more frequently and disperse the liquid from her legs. She may be reluctant to take them because of the frequent need for the loo, but they really do work. She may cut down on fluids to avoid going to the loo, so keep an eye out for that.

Get her to keep her legs raised when she’s sitting down. Also encourage her to use moisturising cream on her legs to maintain her skin integrity.

Posted too soon - I’m not a doctor, just going from my father’s experience .

In short, it needs to be taken seriously, but it can be dealt with.

My father’s legs were swollen, purple and blistered. But once he was in a nursing home and they were able to make sure he took his tablets regularly and on time (something I never managed) his legs cleared very quickly, and have been beautiful for the last two and a half years.

Ah thank you. Not that we know of but she has high cholesterol. She is going to the dr today so hopefully they will do a thorough check of her heart. Thanks for all replies. I was a bit alarmed at the state of her foot!!

MIL had massive ankles for some time, nothing cleared it. With hindsight I suspect that she wasn't taking the medication she was given because of difficulty getting to the toilet. Once she went into residential care the problem went away, she has lovely ankles now.

Once she went into residential care the problem went away, she has lovely ankles now. Amazing what taking medication as prescribed can do

How did your grandmother get on at the GP Op?