Elderly Man with Swollen Legs and Unusual Spots: What to Do?
I’m reaching out regarding my father, an 83-year-old male weighing approximately 130 pounds. He’s currently taking Vicodin for nerve damage caused by shingles and has medications for high blood pressure. Additionally, he has a long history of excessive alcohol consumption. Recently, his legs have become swollen, and today we observed several indentations on his skin that aren’t typical pitting from pressure. Strangely, one of these indentations appears whitish inside. He has been keeping his legs elevated for about an hour each day and has a very limited appetite. While it appears he’s experiencing some form of edema, he is not exhibiting alarming symptoms such as chest pain or fever. However, he’s quite hesitant to pursue medical attention. Should we encourage him to visit urgent care tomorrow, or would it be better to continue with the elevation method and monitor his situation? Perhaps we could also reach out to his doctor for advice? Thank you for your guidance!
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 1:54:17 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your father's swelling and skin changes. The symptoms you're describing, including swollen legs and unusual indentations, could indicate edema, which is common in older adults for various reasons. However, given his age, medical history, and the medications he’s taking, it’s important to be cautious.
Main Points:
- Monitor symptoms closely.
- Urgent medical evaluation is advisable.
- Encourage supportive measures at home.
Explanation
Swelling in the legs (edema) can be caused by several factors, including heart issues, kidney function, or even complications from medication or past alcohol use. The unusual whitish indentations on his skin could indicate a specific type of edema that should be assessed by a healthcare provider. While it’s good that he is keeping his legs elevated, this alone may not be adequate treatment, especially considering his limited appetite and existing conditions.
Next Steps
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Encourage a Medical Evaluation: It would be prudent to encourage your father to seek medical attention at urgent care. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination, assess his medical history, and possibly order tests to determine the underlying cause of his symptoms.
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Monitor Symptoms: Until he can be seen, keep a close eye on any changes in his swelling. Look for new symptoms, such as increased leg pain, worsening indentation, changes in skin color, or any other unusual signs.
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Continue Elevation and Hydration: While waiting for the medical evaluation, he should continue elevating his legs periodically throughout the day. Additionally, ensuring he stays well-hydrated can help reduce swelling.
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Dietary Considerations: Given his limited appetite, try to encourage small, nutritious meals or snacks that he might enjoy. Sometimes, easy-to-eat options can help stimulate appetite.
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Involve His Primary Doctor: If he is open to it, reach out to his primary doctor for guidance. They might offer insights or even suggest immediate steps, which could be helpful.
Encourage him gently about why seeking help is important and reassure him that it's in his best interest, especially given his age and health history. Your care and concern are crucial for his well-being.
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