My 87 year old mother who is a Christian Scientist fell last week. We hired nurses for round the clock care and now her leg is swollen and leaking. (Weeping Edema) She is not able to walk, so I believe it is her hip that is injured. She was transported to a Christian Science Care facility this afternoon so her leg could be elevated and they could take better physical care of her. I read the cause of this Edema could be heart failure or the trauma to the leg. What is the likelyhood of her recovery without surgical/medical intervention? I live across the country and my sister is there with her. I am not sure how to proceed and would appreciate any advise.
Hello, First, the elderly should avoid falling as much as they can because they usually have osteoporosis. Second, after falling she should do a plain X-ray to ensure that she does not have a bone fracture. Normally after trauma the edema occurs, and it gradually decreases with the treatment. Moreover, if she had hypertension or diabetes or other chronic illnesses, the recovery would delay for a while. Finally, your mother should take antibiotics for possible infection (penicillin), Aspirin twice a day after meal, vitamin D (Alfacalcidol 0.5)one tablet every other day for one week then one tablet per week for one month, besides Chat Doctor.  The healthy diet and avoiding prolonged bed rest are crucial for her. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care