Mom is 97 and has dementia. The edema in her feet and legs is now in both of her knees. Both knees are HUGE and the skin is tight and shiny. I don't know if it's painful because she NEVER complains about pain. I have been applying compression wraps for 2-3 years and they are no longer effective. I have tried over-the-knee compression stockings but they were not effective either.
She really should see her doctor. Water retention can be anywhere on our bodies, not just our lower extremities. My dad retained most of his water in his torso.
Is there also difficulty in breathing?
The most common reason for fluid in the lower limbs is right heart failure. Elevation in the leg and compression stockings may help slightly, but the common treatment is diuretics and other medications which help the heart's weakened pump to eliminate the fluid. While these medications eliminate the fluid they also wash out some needed electrolytes in the body which then must be replaced, so routine blood draws are done to measure these in the system.
Do not delay. The weakening heart pump, especially when it affects both left and right side of heart can kill. If the left side of the heart is affected there will be difficulty breathing not only with moving, but with laying flat; patients often assume the sitting position to aid in breathing.
If your MD is not IMMEDIATELY RESPONSIVE to your call you must call 911 and go to the hospital. As you have been attending to Mom for this condition for some years now I am concerned that no doctor has explained Congestive Heart Failure to you. You will find information on line. This is a progressive disease due often to age; the heart is simply a "weakening pump".
My mom has edema, neuropathy.. They have had to increase her water pill, and keep the compression stockings on during the day.. feet elevated…
There's all kinds of things this could be, some easily treatable.
Yes, edema can happen in the knees.
I have seen it too.
Please be very careful with edema (liquid retention).
It can go into the lungs (life-threatening).
The causes of edema are, either:
-heart
-kidney, bladder, urinary system
-veins (least worrisome cause)
-other causes
My LO had the vein cause.
Needs diuretic pill, to help the body urinate more.
We needed to see a doctor right away. Diuretic pill (10 mg, 3 times a day) prescribed. (furosemide) (too much, not good: side-effects) (too little, not good). Amount depends also on weight of LO. Ask doctor.
I hope your mother will be OK!!