As people get older, they are often affected by swollen ankles and legs. It makes moving around more complicated, increasing the risk of a person falling or making the lower body feel uncomfortable. It’s called edema when ankles, lower legs, and feet swell when a human body retails fluid. This type of swelling often happens on both sides of the human body. It’s especially common in older adults.
The issue of swollen legs can be caused by different causes, like the ones listed below.
- Chronic kidney disease
- Vascular conditions
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- After surgery
- Inactive lifestyle
A person can increase the discomfort and prevent the injuries of swollen legs by simply taking several simple exercises to relieve swelling in the legs and ankles. These exercises include:
- Ankle pumps (30 repetitions, 3 times daily). To do this exercise, a person should lie down on any surface, elevate feet and point toes up toward the head, and then point toes down away from the head. You can also do this exercise while seated and elevating the feet using a stool.
- Butt squeezes (10 squeezes, 3 times a day). The exercise is done while a person is sitting or lying. One should tighten the butt muscles, moving slowly as if holding the squeeze for several seconds.
- Bring single knee to chest 10 repetitions per side, 3 times deface. Bring one knee up to the chest, hold for a while, and then return the leg flat. Repeat the same with the second A person should lie down on any surfaced leg.
