324 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
Chronic Sores of the Legs of Feet (see p. 213)
These may result from poor circulation, often
because of varicose veins (p. 175). Sometimes
diabetes is part of the cause (p. 127). For other
possibilities, see page 20.
Sores that result from poor circulation heal very
slowly.
Keep the sore as clean as possible. Wash it
with boiled water and mild soap and change the
bandage often. If signs of infection develop, treat as
directed on p. 88.
When sitting or sleeping, keep the foot up.
GOOD
BETTER
Difficulty Urinating (see p. 235)
Older men who have difficulty urinating or whose urine drips or dribbles are
probably suffering from an enlarged prostate gland. Turn to page 235.
Chronic Cough (see p. 168)
Older people who cough a lot should not smoke and
should seek medical advice. If they had symptoms of
tuberculosis when they were younger, or have ever coughed
up blood, they may have tuberculosis.
If an older person develops a cough with wheezing or
trouble breathing (asthma) or if his feet also swell, he may
have heart trouble (see the next page).
Rheumatoid Arthritis (painful joints) (see p. 173)
Many older people have arthritis.
To help arthritis:
♦ Rest the joints that hurt.
♦ Apply hot compresses (see p. 195).
♦ Take a medicine for pain; aspirin is best.
For severe arthritis, take 2 to 3 aspirin tablets
up to 6 times a day with bicarbonate of soda,
an antacid (see p. 380), milk, or a lot of water. (If the ears begin to ring, take less.)
♦ It is important to do exercises that help maintain as much movement as possible
in the painful joints.