Peripheral leg oedema

Oedema is defined as palpable swelling caused by an increase in interstitial fluid volume ( John W Ely et al 2006 )

Chronic oedema ( CO ) is a general term used for leg swelling that has been present for atleast 3 months and this includes all form of edema irrespective of etiology and corresponding co-morbidities and risk factors It is a major clinical problem in the community and a challenging issue for primary care - management can be frustrating and time consuming The problem will only worsen as the population gets older , it is estimated that in the UK population will include 3.5 million people aged 85 or over with many older than 100 Moffatt et al in 2003 reported that chronic oedema is a common in community ( 1.33/1000 ) with the prevalence increasing in those aged 64 yrs ( 5.4 / 1000 ) Heart failure affects approximately 1 % of the general population

Fluid balance between these compartments is maintained by hydrostatic pressure and oncotic pressure , these are governed by Starling's law

Altered vascular dynamics Governed by Starlings law which can be -- increased intravascular volume , decreased intravascular or oncotic pressure- increased vascular permeability...