Edema means that there is more fluid present in the tissue than normal. Under healthy conditions, fluid entering the tissue from the blood vessels is drained via the venous and lymphatic systems. When this balance is disrupted, fluid can accumulate and symptoms may develop.

Edema can occur in an arm, leg, hand, foot, face, or torso. In addition to an increase in size, many people experience a heavy feeling, skin tightness, fatigue, pain, or limitations in movement.

Because edema can have various causes, effective treatment begins with a thorough analysis. The goal is not only to reduce fluid but also to address factors that contribute to the onset or persistence of the symptoms.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is unable to adequately drain lymph fluid. This can be congenital, but more often develops as a result of surgery, radiation, trauma, or the removal of lymph nodes. Lymphedema is frequently seen after cancer treatment, for example after breast cancer.

Venous edema

Venous edema occurs when veins return blood to the heart less effectively. As a result, pressure in the blood vessels increases, and fluid can accumulate in the surrounding tissue. This is often seen in chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, or after a history of thrombosis.

Lipo-lymphedema

In some people with lipoedema, the lymphatic system also becomes overloaded. This results in a combination of abnormal fat distribution and fluid accumulation. Because not every form of swelling has the same cause, a careful assessment is important.

Edema after surgery, trauma, or medical treatment

Temporary or long-term edema can also occur after surgery, injury, scar formation, or medical treatment. This may involve disruption of lymphatic drainage, increased tissue load, or changes in blood flow.

Edema is more than just fluid retention. Common symptoms include:

• A heavy or tense feeling in the arm or leg
• Prints from clothing, socks, or jewelry that remain visible longer
• Firm or glowing skin
• Pain, pressure or discomfort
• Get tired more quickly
• Reduced mobility
• Difficulty with shoes, clothing, or jewelry
• Hardening of the tissue, also known as fibrosis
• Sensitive skin or recurring skin problems

When edema persists for a longer period, tissue changes may occur. Fibrosis, skin changes, and decreased mobility can make treatment more complex. This is precisely why timely assessment is important.

During the intake, the skin therapist carefully assesses your complaints and medical situation. They examine the location of the edema, the severity of the fluid retention, the condition of the skin, any scars, and the impact on your daily functioning.

The factors contributing to the development or persistence of the edema are also being investigated. These include surgery, radiation therapy, venous disorders, reduced mobility, scarring, or prolonged stress on the tissue.

Depending on the situation, size measurements can be performed and the most appropriate treatment assessed. Based on this, a personalized treatment plan is drawn up.

Scientific guidelines show that compression therapy, exercise and exercise, self-management and good skin care form important components of the treatment of edema. Depending on the type of edema, additional treatment techniques may be used.

Manual lymphatic drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialized technique aimed at supporting lymphatic flow. This treatment is not applied to every type of edema and is usually part of a broader treatment plan.

Compression therapy

Compression therapy often forms the basis of the treatment. External pressure supports fluid movement and limits new fluid accumulation. Compression is one of the best-researched treatment methods for edema.

Bandaging

In cases of more pronounced fluid retention, temporary bandaging or compression bandages may be chosen. This helps to reduce the size of the edema and often forms the first step before a therapeutic elastic stocking is fitted.

Therapeutic elastic stockings (TEK)

Therapeutic elastic stockings support moisture drainage and help maintain achieved results. A good fit, clear instructions, and regular check-ups are important for the treatment outcome and wearing comfort.

Exercises, lifestyle and self-management

Movement supports the muscle pump and contributes to the drainage of fluid, especially in combination with compression.In addition, skin care, load-capacity balance, weight regulation where relevant, and the timely recognition of signals play an important role.

Compression therapy is an important part of the treatment for lymphedema and venous edema. External pressure supports fluid drainage and limits new fluid accumulation.

Therapeutic elastic stockings, also known as TEK or compression stockings, can help maintain the results of the treatment. At Medicadermis, attention is paid to the correct indication, fit, wearing comfort, skin condition, and monitoring of the effect.

A stocking that does not fit properly or is not worn sufficiently often yields less effective results. Therefore, guidance and evaluation are important, especially when edema is present for a long time.

Lymphedema therapy is a specialized branch of skin therapy that focuses on reducing fluid accumulation when the lymphatic system is functioning inadequately. Treatment often consists of a combination of compression therapy, exercises, skin care, self-management, and, if necessary, additional treatment techniques.

The goal of lymphedema therapy is to reduce symptoms, limit the further increase of fluid accumulation, and improve daily functioning and quality of life.

Lymphedema can develop after treatment for breast cancer, for example when lymph nodes have been removed or after radiation therapy. The fluid accumulation can manifest in the arm, hand, breast, armpit, shoulder region, or torso.

Early signs include a heavy feeling, skin tightness, tingling, reduced mobility, or a visible increase in size. Early recognition and guidance can help limit symptoms and prevent worsening.

In addition, attention may be needed for scars, skin condition, compression therapy, load-bearing capacity, and lifestyle.

Do you notice that an arm, leg, hand, or foot continues to increase in size, do you experience increasing skin tension, or do you notice that movement is becoming more difficult? Then it is wise to have the symptoms assessed.

Timely assessment is important, especially when fluid accumulation occurs after surgery, oncological treatment, or in the presence of existing vascular problems.

Suddenly occurring swelling, redness, shortness of breath, or severe pain are not part of standard edema therapy and require prompt medical assessment via a general practitioner or emergency care.

Edema therapy may be reimbursed in full or in part, depending on the medical indication and policy conditions. The conditions vary by health insurer.

You can visit Medikadermis with or without a referral. Some health insurers reimburse direct access to a skin therapist, while others require a referral from a doctor.

Medicadermis has contracts with various Dutch health insurers for edema therapy. During the intake, we will determine which approach suits your situation and health insurance.

Medicadermis has contracts for edema therapy with various health insurers, including CZ, OHRA, Nationale Nederlanden, VGZ, IZA, IZZ, UMC, Zilveren Kruis, FBTO, Interpolis, De Friesland, Menzis, Anderzorg, DSW, Stad Holland, ONVZ, PNOzorg, and VvAA.

The conditions for reimbursement may vary per health insurer and policy. Therefore, during the intake, it is determined which options apply to your situation.

You can visit Medikadermis with or without a referral. If you make an appointment without a referral, we will assess beforehand or during the first consultation which route is most suitable for your situation.

Cancellations can be made free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Appointments not cancelled in time will not be reimbursed by the health insurer and may be charged.

At Medicadermis, edema therapy is performed by a registered skin therapist with attention to both the fluid accumulation and the skin, the underlying tissue, any scars, and your daily functioning.

The goal of the treatment is not only to reduce fluid, but also to improve comfort, mobility, skin condition, and quality of life. A personal, professional, and realistic approach is central to this.

Are you unsure whether your symptoms match edema, lymphedema, or fluid retention? Feel free to contact Medicadermis in The Hague or schedule an intake for personalized treatment advice.