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Lymphedema can occur in both the upper and lower extremities, and in some cases, the head and neck. Assessment of the extremities first begins with a visual inspection; color, presence of hair, visible veins, size and any sores or ulcerations are noted. Lack of hair may indicate an arterial circulation problem. [34]
Edema may be described as pitting edema, or non-pitting edema. [32] Pitting edema is 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.
Peripheral edema is edema (accumulation of fluid causing swelling) in tissues perfused by the peripheral vascular system, usually in the lower limbs. In the most dependent parts of the body (those hanging distally ), it may be called dependent edema.
[1] [2] Lower legs and heels may also be involved, however the distal parts of feet and toes are usually spared. Patients may also experience high-graded fever, pitting edema and hypotension. The clinical presentation usually resembles cellulitis, however bilateral involvement is a differentiating feature.
These include parts of the body affected by gravity, such as the extremities, but edema can occur in any area. Symptoms of water retention include: Swelling in legs, arms, feet or hands
Doctors will typically recommend these stockings for those who are prone to blood clots, lower limb edema, and blood pooling in the legs and feet from prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity. They are also frequently used to address complications caused by diabetes , lymphedema , thrombosis , cellulitis , and other conditions.
Anasarca is a severe and generalized form of edema, with subcutaneous tissue swelling throughout the body. [1] Unlike typical edema, which almost everyone will experience at some time and can be relatively benign, anasarca is a pathological process reflecting a severe disease state and can involve the cavities of the body in addition to the tissues.
As functional venous valves are required to provide for efficient blood return from the lower extremities, this condition typically affects the legs. If the impaired vein function causes significant symptoms, such as swelling and ulcer formation, it is referred to as chronic venous disease . [ 3 ]