QuestionMy mother is 84 and has a severe problem with the swelling of her legs, mostly from the knees down. This problem, along with the RLS, has her in constant pain 24/7. When she gets up in the morning her legs are nice and slim, however, after about 2 hours they are swollen. She recently has the vein test which showed no blockage and takes 'water' and heart pills every day. She has high blood pressure. A 'stint' was put in last year. However, these problems have gone on for years and is only getting worse. She is not over weight walks every day and does her own house work. Some days, which are more and more, between the bad knees, legs swelling and RLS Mom is unable to get around. She goes to the doctor(s) as needed and they don't seem to know what the problem is and just gives her a stronger 'water' pill to take. That is very stressful and depressing for anyone to spend years going to doctors having the same problems and never getting a clear answer! And, Mom is the type that does exactly what the doctor tells her to...
I hope this question is not too long or confusing but I hope you can offer some suggestions that have not been tried because I fear that I (age 65) am following the same road - I already have the knees that need to be replaced and have lived with RLS and uncontrollable muscle spasms for years.
AnswerDear Evelyn,
I commiserate with your mom. Must be horrible to have that problem. It is a good sign that her legs go down after sleeping.
Has she tried wearing compression stockings? Putting them on before she even gets her legs out of bed may help a lot. Usually, the person is measure for them, and the doctor can prescribe a compression setting.
Has she had her thyroid checked? What blood pressure medicine is she on? Many promoted fluid retention. What kind of heart problems does she have? Congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease will cause those symptoms. Every few hours can she lie down and elevate her legs?
Is she overweight? Obesity will cause leg swelling, as can kidney and liver problems.
Just age can cause the swelling. Does she sit with her legs hanging down a good portion of time?
I wish I could tell you what is causing this. I don't think that RLS is a factor, although I may be wrong
I hope this was of help to you. Please let me know if this did not answer your question to your satisfaction. And prayers and best wishes to you and your mom.
Sincerely,
Andrea
