There are many disabilities, both hidden and easily identifiable, that can result in a symptom called edema. Edema in itself is also a disease process, as it is abnormal swelling caused by poor venous return, or to put it in layman’s terms, the person’s veins aren’t healthy enough to return the blood to the heart properly. If someone has limited mobility for instance with ALS, a Stroke, or is wheelchair dependent for any reason, their lower extremities (legs) are hanging down for long periods of time, it may cause dependent edema. Dependent edema is identifiable by swelling in the calves, ankles, and feet, that when pressed, leaves a “pit”, or dent, temporarily, in the person’s swollen skin, as it displaces the fluid there.
If left untreated, ulcers could occur which could lead to complicated infections. Also, if blood pools in the legs, it is at risk for forming a clot. Frequently the person has varicose and broken spider veins in these areas. Treatment is individually based on the underlying cause of disease. Some hidden disabilities that may result in edema are congestive heart failure, kidney failure, malnutrition, and adverse reactions to medication taken for another disease process.
There are several pieces of adaptive clothing to help differently abled people who have edema. One is compression stockings.
These are extremely importantly as they will actually reduce the swelling by assisting the blood flow back to the heart, by the varied levels of elastic compression in the stockings. They are tightest at the bottom and the compression or elasticity becomes less towards the knee or thigh.
Compression stockings can be bought with or without a prescription in a local drug store or at a medical supply. If you have a prescription the price may be reduced. They come in different levels of compression, measured in Hg (mm of mercury) For controlling edema, lower numbers are usually prescribed and for prevention of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), higher numbers. Mild is 8-15 mmHg, Medium 15–20 mmHg, Firm 20-30 mmHg, and Extra Firm 30-40 mmHg, gradient compression levels generally. A person who is purchasing compression stockings for a medical condition should have their legs measured by a medical professional and be told what size and length, knee, or thigh high, to buy. I have created a list on Google Maps in my area called Compression Stockings: Where Available? to aid people to find them.
Another benefit of compression stockings is pain reduction. Swollen legs can cramp, and be quite sore, but the edema stockings usually provide some degree of relief.
I author this post not only as an RN, BSN, with many years working with clients post cardiac events, post surgery, rehab, and with chronic disabilities, but also someone who has Chronic Dependent Edema. I take diuretic medication twice a day to reduce the amount of fluid in my body, hike and walk to increase blood flow, and always sit with my feet elevated. I have compression stockings that were prescribed for me, that I will demonstrate the application of, in this video below:
So as Google Local Guides we can be great advocates for Accessibility, and the Clean The World Projects, wherever our passions lie, if we remember that we all are the same - one big human family!
my friend