Edema diagnosis is based on physical observation, and additional tests may be needed to determine the cause and treatment plan. Palpation during diagnosis can reveal pitting or non-pitting edema. Treatment may include dietary changes and compression stockings, but exercise and massage should be approached with caution.
A diagnosis of edema is made based on physical observation and examination of the patient. Additional diagnostic tests may be needed to find out why a patient is experiencing edema and to develop a treatment plan. People at risk of edema due to underlying medical conditions or medications they are taking can be warned of early signs so they can see a doctor as soon as edema begins to develop, making the condition easier to treat.
Edema is a buildup of fluid in the extremities, especially the legs. For a diagnosis of edema, simply observing the patient will allow the doctor to see the telltale swelling associated with the condition. A doctor familiar with a patient can see a change in size, and if a doctor has never seen a patient before, telltale signs such as clothing marks and swelling show that the patient’s body has increased rapidly in size. Also, your doctor will be able to feel the swelling on palpation and it will be different from the swelling associated with inflammation or weight gain.
Palpation during the edema diagnosis process will also reveal whether it is pitting or non-pitting edema. In pinpoint edema, an imprint left with a finger or mark will take several minutes to fall back into place, in stark contrast to the skin’s usual suppleness. Edema without pitting does not have this feature. Depending on the type of edema a patient has, the causes can be different and the approach to treatment after a diagnosis of edema can vary.
In a patient with a known cause of edema, such as a history of diabetes, a doctor may be able to determine the cause by interviewing the patient. If no known cause or risk factor is identified during an edema diagnosis, your doctor may order diagnostic tests to evaluate your kidney health, hormone levels, and other medical issues. This information will be used to learn more about what is happening inside the patient’s body and to formulate an explanation for the development of edema so that the patient can be treated more effectively. Some cases are idiopathic, with no known cause.
After a diagnosis of edema, the patient may be advised to make dietary changes, wear compression stockings, and take other steps to help move fluid deposits from the extremities so the body can eliminate them. It’s important to be careful with massage and exercise while people are experiencing edema, as it’s possible to make the swelling worse. People with conditions that predispose them to risk for edema or people taking medications such as chemotherapy drugs should make sure massage therapists are aware of this so they can take steps to avoid causing or exacerbating edema.
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