Edema

Question 1

occupational performance issues due to edema

Answer 1

heaviness
pain in the limbs
reduce transfers and mobility
reduce independence with basic and instrumental ADLs

Question 2

How to assess edema?

Answer 2

Physical Examination:

1. Pitting (depth and duration of the indentation)
   - Pitting edema - due to extra water –> responds well to elevation and diuretics
   - Non-pitting edema - due to factors other than just fluid –> massage, compression, exercise
2. Tenderness:
   - Pain to palpation ~ DVT and complex regional pain syndrome
   - No pain ~ lymphoedema
3. Tape measurement (circumference)
4. Change in skin temperature, color, and texture (warm, red, shinny skin)

Question 3

Edema management

Answer 3

• Elevation (especially useful in an acute stage, when you have to immobilize your injured tissue / joints (such as fracture) in a cast or brace)
• Massage (redirecting the excessive lymphatic fluid out of the swelling part)
• Active Exercises facilitate muscular pumping and lymphatic flow
• compression sleeve, glove or sock (only for chronic venous disease, lymphoedema; CANNOT for heart failure)
• ice pack/pea bag (15mins/time; 4-5 times/day)