April 6, 2010

CAROL CARBUTTI OF COMFORT KEEPERS HERE IN WALLINGFORD,

By Carol Carbutti

Family caregivers and private homecare companions need to know that an elderly senior clients’ leg pain can come in many forms, and there are a variety of conditions that can commonly cause discomfort.  Healthy aging seniors describe their leg pain as tingly, sharp, dull, throbbing and aching. Whatever their leg pain feels like, it can inhibit an active elderly parent’s ability to stand for long periods, put weight on their leg or simply perform everyday activities.  Let’s take a look and discuss solutions that will get your retired baby-boomer back on their feet.

There are many causes of leg pain, especially if your elderly loved one has suffered any injuries in the past to their bones, muscles or tendons.  Caregivers, homemakers, and family companions may be able to connect these injuries to past events and seek treatment.  Sometimes, however, the cause of leg pain is not crystal clear. Vascular disorders involving the vessels that carry blood and lymph throughout the body can cause blood clots or varicose veins. Blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis, often result from a period of prolonged bed rest.

Atherosclerosis is another cause of leg pain for our in home seniors.  This is a condition that causes narrowed arteries and this can impair your aging parents’ circulation so that less blood reaches their legs. In this case, they might feel pain during exercise which is called claudication which feels like a sharp cramp when you walk or run.

Infections are another source that causes leg pain. Osteomyelitis, for example, is an infection of the bone that results in impaired mobility. Inflammation from diseases like arthritis and gout can also attack joints in the leg.  This will cause your elderly client pain during everyday activities.

As you can see, the causes of leg pain are many and varied. It is essential to identify the underlying condition causing the pain. First you should contact your senior parents’ physician who can help treat the source of the pain.  This will help your elderly retirees feel healthy and mobile once again.  If family helpers and caregivers notice that their aging client is still experiencing leg pain, swelling in either leg or varicose veins after a week, they will need to schedule a second office visit.

Family members and Personal Care homemakers need to be aware of Redness and swelling which can indicate blood clots. If you notice this you need to contact your seniors’ physician as soon as possible. Blood clots in deep veins may be dangerous if they travel to the brain or heart. To avoid developing clots, move frequently. If you care for an elderly client who sits a lot you need to encourage them to get up and walk around every hour. Frequent elderly air travelers should walk around during flights as often as possible. A regular exercise program also helps keep blood vessels healthy.

In the case of claudication due to poor circulation, retired baby-boomers can avoid complications by not smoking and monitoring their cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis. A healthy diet of produce and whole grains that is low in saturated fat and salt can help our healthy aging seniors. Natural supplements to fight high cholesterol may also be useful.  They should continue to exercise under a doctor’s supervision in order to train their muscles to use oxygen more efficiently and strengthen their legs in the long run.

For arthritis sufferers, many natural vitamin and mineral formulas have been developed to strengthen joints and bones. A high quality calcium formula is a good place to begin. The best advice for our senior patients with leg pain is to take action. If your elderly dad suffers from chronic pain, complacency can lead to complications if the underlying cause is not treated immediately.  Family members need to work with the primary doctor to help their aging parents get back their mobility and strength for their health.

 

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