Why do homeless have swollen legs?

In addition, venous stasis of the lower extremities (i.e., poor circulation because of varicose veins) caused by prolonged periods of sitting or sleeping with the legs down predisposes homeless people to dependent edema (swelling of the feet and legs), cellulitis, and skin ulcerations.

Why are the homeless at risk of stasis ulcers?

Factors that increase homeless people’s risk for acute and chron- ic wounds include communal bathing and eating, lack of facilities for washing and toileting, unsafe and unsanitary shelters, exposure to crime and trauma, inadequate nutrition, no place for bed rest, no place to store medications, excessive smoking and …

How long does it take for trench foot to go away?

It can take three to six months to fully recover from Trench Foot and prompt treatment is essential to prevent gangrene and possible foot amputation. What is this? The medical term for Trench Foot is Non Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI) and it is also known as Immersion Foot or Crumpet Foot.

Does being homeless affect your health?

On any given night, hundreds of thousands of people are homeless in the United States. Homelessness is closely connected to declines in physical and mental health; homeless persons experience high rates of health problems such as HIV infection, alcohol and drug abuse, mental illness, tuberculosis, and other conditions.

What is the leading cause of death among homeless people?

Coronary heart disease, drug/alcohol overdoses, and transportation-related injuries were the leading causes of death among both males and females experiencing homelessness (Table 1), although CHD was the leading cause among males while drug/alcohol overdose was the leading cause among females.

What causes swollen legs and feet in elderly adults?

Edema in Elderly Adults: Swollen Legs, Ankles, and Feet. Swollen body parts may be uncomfortable but with older adults, it can be a sign of edema. This serious condition can occur in any part of your body but usually results in fluid leaking from legs in elderly individuals.

Why do my legs swell when I have high blood pressure?

The increased pressure damages your capillaries, which are very small blood vessels. This allows proteins to leak into your tissues. This leakage leads to a buildup of blood cells, fluid, and proteins, and that buildup causes your legs to swell. This swelling is called peripheral edema.

What causes swollen legs and feet with stasis dermatitis?

This leakage leads to a buildup of blood cells, fluid, and proteins, and that buildup causes your legs to swell. This swelling is called peripheral edema. People with stasis dermatitis usually experience swollen legs and feet, open sores, or itchy and reddish skin.

What are the symptoms of edema in elderly legs?

Edema in elderly legs can also be a sign of underlying health conditions. These include: The symptoms of edema don’t just include swollen legs in the elderly. They also include: When it comes to edema, swollen legs in the elderly aren’t the only concern.