Do You Know About the Treatment for Edema In Legs ?

Today I want to share with all of you a treatment we just started using for my mother's edema*.

Until about 6 months ago my mom's legs were fine, no hint of edema at all. Then after her last hospitalization she started having problems. The pitting edema** would go up and down until it finally would not respond to the actions my sister and I were employing at all, such as elevating the legs. We even got her a hospital bed to help. We also used compression stockings, which my mother hates as do many people who have to wear them.  Then one day at a routine foot doctor appointment the nurse asked if we had a 'bio compression system' for her. I had never heard of it. The doctor who explained a little about how it worked, said 'Medicare pays for it and would we like to try it?'. So I thought why not, anything to get the edema in her legs down.

About 3 days later the rep from the Bio Compression Systems company came by and set us up. The system is very easy to use. It consists of a small compressor, and two ( what I call Moon Boots) sleeves that fit over each of the legs and zip up on the front of each boot. They each have a hose attached that you plug into the compressor. Once they are on you turn the compressor on and the boots begin to inflate in sections, starting at the bottom moving up to the top. The idea is that as they inflate in this gradual progression they push the water up the leg, and increase circulation at the same time. 

I must say we have seen an improvement. Mom is suppose to wear them for one (1) hour twice a day. Again the name of the company is Bio Compression Systems out of New Jersey. Their phone is 800-888-0908. They may be able to recommend a doctor in your area who can write a script for this. It has to be used under doctor supervision and not everyone is able to use this, but it may help some as it has my mother.

Until Next Time

Take Care

Ruth A

"Love me my Moon Boots!"

* Edema: A condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.

** Pitting edema: Observable swelling of body tissues due to fluid accumulation that may be demonstrated by applying pressure to the swollen area (such as by depressing the skin with a finger).

Wikipedia link describing "Pitting edema" with photos - Will

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