Class 11

Question 1

Common Local Causes of Edema

Answer 1

• Causes of localized trauma, inflammatory reactions, allergic reactions, etc.
• Sitting or standing in one position for too long
• Impaired circulation from restrictive scarring, restrictive immobilization, pregnancy, other compressive forces (e.g. bony callus, tumor)
• Impaired lymphatic function
• Decreased muscle tone (post immobilization, neurological causes)
• Decreased vascular tone (sympathetic transmission impairment)
• Vascular damage situations, e.g., blood vessel diseases, diabetic foot
• Venous obstruction situations, such as deep vein thrombosis

Question 2

Common Causes of Full Body Edema / Anasarca?

Answer 2

• Eating too much salty food, other causes of high interstitial electrolyte concentrations
• Poor nutritional status
• Congestive heart failure
• Kidney/liver/lung disease
• Hormone influence (menstrual cycle), pregnancy
• Anaphylaxis, systemic hypersensitivity reactions
• Side effects of medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, glitazones (for Type 2 diabetes), some dopamine agonists
• Some chemotherapy preparations

Question 3

What are Edema Medical Treatment Approaches?

Answer 3

Treat cause effectively / more effectively
Medications: usually a diuretic
RICE for injury/inflammation situations
Refer to physio, MLD specialist, RMT

Standard advice includes:
• Regular exercise
• Reduce salt consumption
• Elevate legs while sitting, reclining, sleeping
• Avoid standing or sitting for extended hours
• Lose weight if
required
• Wear compression stockings, sleeves, etc.
• Limit
alcohol, sugar,
caffeine intake

Question 4

Massage Therapy Considerations for Edema?

Answer 4

• Lymphatic drainage techniques (MLD training needed to treat moderate/severe lymphedema):
• Elevation of limbs, adapted positioning:
• Massage techniques:
• Hydrotherapy:
• Other modalities:
• Self care:
• General Principles:
• Red Flags: