Howto remove the swelling in her feet - #11098
My mother age 86 was suffering from cellulitus the wound has healed n now she has swelling in her feet and she cannot walk. The doctor has mentioned there is water retention in her legs. She was given medication for 5 days slight improvement in her swelling but she cannot walk she is crossing her legs
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Hello dear See you are already on medication I suggest you to please get in person consultation with general surgeon I doubt there may be some metabolic changes that are causing delay in healing.
May be there is requirement of further surgery and or any preventive measures Please get following tests done for confirmation and share results with general surgeon Random sugar CBC Esr Crp level Please donot take any medications without consulting the concerned doctor Regards
Swelling in the feet, especially in an elderly person following cellulitis, can often be multifactorial. Given the water retention noted by the doctor, managing this condition means addressing fluid overload, circulation issues, and ensuring proper wound recovery. First, ensure that her feet are elevated regularly to promote venous return and reduce swelling. This can be done by keeping her legs raised above the heart level with the help of pillows when she’s lying down. Additionally, consider the use of compression stockings, after consulting with her healthcare provider, as these can help reduce fluid buildup and improve circulation. Regular, gentle movement exercises for her feet and ankles can support blood flow — even simple rotations or flexing guided by a caregiver can assist if she’s unable to move her feet due to pain. It’s crucial to manage any underlying conditions such as heart failure or kidney issues that might contribute to water retention. Ensure she’s drinking enough fluid but not excessively, balancing her intake with her needs and any dietary recommendations (like a low-salt diet) provided by her doctor. If the medication helped but isn’t sufficient, or if walking remains painful, revisiting her doctor might be necessary to reassess the diuretics or modify the treatment plan. Pay attention to any signs of infection recurrence, such as increased redness, heat, or a foul odor from the wound area, and seek immediate medical attention if these occur. Managing discomfort, ensuring nutritional adequacy, and regular follow-ups with her healthcare team are key to her recovery and comfort.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.