EDEMA Flashcards
Edema definition
An accumulation of an excessive amount of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities
What system does edema usually involve?
The lymphatic system
What is the lymphatic system and why is it important?
It is important for immune responses, however, this area is often neglected by therapists.
What are the three MOST COMMON types of edema?
Peripheral (legs, arms, hands)
Abdominal
Chest (lungs)
The two other least common ones: eyes and cerebral
Stages/types of peripheral edema
Low protein edema
high protein edema
Pitting edema
What is low protein edema and what stage is it usually associated with(beginning, middle, end)?
Beginning stage.
Usually resolved with elevation, icing, and AROM. Quick re-bound
What is high protein edema and what stage is it usually associated with(beginning, middle, end)? How is it developed?
Middle stage.
Starts about a week after low protein edema. It is developed due to excessive plasma proteins that become trapped in interstitium and can’t move out of damaged lymphatic systems.
What is pitting edema and what stage is it usually associated with(beginning, middle, end)?
The end stage of edema.
DANGEROUS
In which external pressure leaves a persistent depression (“pit”) in the tissue.
What are the five effects that we see of edema in the hands?
- hyperextension of the MCP joints
- Adduction of thumb/index web space
- Collapse of hand arches
- Joint stiffness
- Limited tendon excursion
What are the four general issues we see with edema?
Pain
Decreased PROM & AROM
Delayed healing
Stiffness (can be seen as joint contractures or decreased tendon excursion)
What are the five potential problems we can see in relation to the physiology of injury?
Edema Stiffness Inflammation Scar Formation Fibrosis
Does low protein edema that resolves quickly usually lead to stiffness?
NO! It does not usually lead to significant sittifness.
What type of edema leads to stiffness? Why?
High protein edema that does not resolve quickly (chronic edema)
Chronic edema will fill tissues with fluid and prevent movement.
What is stiffness?
Decreased passive ROM and increased force needed to reach the end of the range
What is inflammation?
local response to injury that destroys, dilutes, or walls off injuries agent and injured tissue
What is Scar formation?
Tissue that body creates to close a wound/defect
What is fibrosis?
A condition marked with an increase of fibrous tissue