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Elevation refers to keeping an injury above the level of the heart, such as propping up a leg with pillows. [1] The goal was to reduce swelling by using gravity to encourage blood return from the swollen area back to the heart. [18] The reduction in swelling could improve pain by relieving pressure from the area.
Elevating the legs and support stockings may be useful for edema of the legs. [3] Older people are more commonly affected. [ 3 ] The word is from the Ancient Greek οἴδημα oídēma meaning 'swelling'.
Leg edema 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.
In cases of swelling, the extremities' circumference is measured over time for reference. In early stages of lymphedema, elevating the limb may reduce or eliminate the swelling. Palpation of the wrist or ankle can determine the degree of swelling; assessment includes a check of the pulses.
Cold compression therapy, also known as hilotherapy, combines two of the principles of rest, ice, compression, elevation to reduce pain and swelling from a sports or activity injury to soft tissues and is recommended by orthopedic surgeons following surgery.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition characterized by blood pooling in the veins, leading to increased pressure and strain on the vein walls. [1] The most common cause of CVI is superficial venous reflux, which often results in the formation of varicose veins, a treatable condition. [2]