Oedema 2

Physiotherapy for Edema
and Swelling
What is ?
Oedema is the result of an excessive amount of watery fluid
accumulated in the intercellular spaces, most commonly present in
subcutaneous tissue. Skin gradually becomes puffy and swollen as the
fluid is not taken up by the venous and lymphatic systems. Untreated,
the limb(s) can become enlarged and eventually skin changes can
occur.
Edema and Swelling Edema is our natural way of healing a hurt part; a part
gets injured by trauma, and also the body will send its natural repair workers
through fluids that accumulate within the localized area. Unfortunately,
together with these workers, comes substances that aggravates pain and
swelling too. Usually medical practitioners will prescribe anti swelling
capsules to reduce the accumulation of fluids (an excessive amount of fluids
can increase pressure and damage organs/tissues) This delays healing and
results in pain and increased stiffness, hence it compromises functional
results - this is exactly why we provide edema physiotherapy management
within our clinic for it. So whilst it is important that we facilitate the recovery
process, we need to decrease the quantity of swelling too.
Classifications
Cutaneous edema is referred to as "pitting" when, after pressure is

applied to a small area, the indentation persists after the release of
the pressure. Peripheral pitting edema, as shown in the illustration, is
the more common type, resulting from water retention. It can be
caused by systemic diseases, pregnancy in some women, either
directly or as a result of heart failure, or local conditions such as
varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, insect bites, and dermatitis.
Non-pitting edema is observed when the indentation does not persist.
It is associated with such conditions as lymphedema, lipedema, and
myxedema. Edema caused by malnutrition defines kwashiorkor, an
acute form of childhood protein-energy malnutrition characterized by
edema, irritability, anorexia, ulcerating dermatoses, and an enlarged
liver with fatty infiltrates.
Symptoms of oedema
The accumulation of fluid under the skin causes swelling, often in the
lower legs and ankles (known as peripheral oedema).
As well as swelling or puffiness of the skin, oedema can also cause:
skin discolouration
areas of skin that temporarily hold the imprint of your finger when
pressed (known as pitting oedema)
aching, tender limbs
stiff joints
weight gain
Causes of oedema
It's normal to have some swelling in your legs at the end of the day, particularly if you've been sitting or standing for
long periods.
Oedema is often a symptom of an underlying health condition. It can occur as a result of the following conditions or
treatments:
pregnancy
kidney disease
heart failure
chronic lung disease
thyroid disease
liver disease
malnutrition
medication, such as corticosteroids or medicine for high blood pressure (hypertension)
the contraceptive pill
Immobility and standing for long periods are the two most common causes of oedema in the legs.
Other possible causes include:
a blood clot
severe varicose veins
a leg injury or leg surgery
burns to the skin
Lymphoedema isswelling in the legs caused by ablockage
in the lymphatic system, or an inherited condition.
The lymphatic system consists of a series of lymph nodes (glands) connected by a

network of vessels (lymphatics), similar to blood vessels.
Fluid surrounding body tissues usually drains into nearby lymph vessels so it can be
transported back into the blood. However, if the lymph vessels are blocked, the fluid
can't be reabsorbed and will build up in the tissue.
Unlike oedema, lymphoedema is a long-term condition that can cause discomfort, pain
and a loss of mobility.
It can't be cured, but it can be controlled using a number of treatments, including:
compression stockings
skin care
lymphatic massage
elevation
treatment
losing weight (if you're overweight)
taking regular exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling
raising your legs three to four times a day to improve your circulation
avoiding standing for long periods of time

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Physiotherapy for Edema

Cutaneous edema is referred to as "pitting" when, after pressure is

The lymphatic system consists of a series of lymph nodes (glands) connected by a

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