Edema
Edema, also spelt oedema, and also known as fluid retention, dropsy, hydropsy and swelling, is the buildup of fluid in the body's tissue. The word is from the Greek οἴδημα oídēma meaning 'swelling'.
Most commonly, the legs or arms are affected. Symptoms may include skin which feels tight, the area may feel heavy, and affected joints may be hard to move. Other symptoms depend on the underlying cause.
Causes may include venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney problems, low protein levels, liver problems, deep vein thrombosis, infections, angioedema, certain medications, and lymphedema. It may also occur due to prolonged sitting or standing and during menstruation or pregnancy. The condition is more concerning if it starts suddenly, or pain or shortness of breath is present.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If the underlying mechanism involves sodium retention, decreased salt intake and a diuretic may be used. Elevating the legs and support stockings may be useful for edema of the legs. Older people are more commonly affected.
In BDSM
Edema is often encountered when a persons limbs are bound tightly using ropes or cuffs. It can also be caused by positional bondage, as in a hogtie, hands-over-head, suspension or strappado bondage.
It is a good idea to discuss the "subbies" health conditions before going into session. A little time "negotiating a scene can prevent many embarrassments and potential disasters.
During a session, a "quick" safety check can be made by running your hands over the bound persons body from above to below the stricture. If there is a marked change in temperature, the the bondage should be loosened or removed, or position changed. Do NOT wait for the person to use safewords as many will hold out just to see how far they can go.
Treatment
When possible, treatment involves resolving the underlying cause. Many cases of heart or kidney disease, are treated with diuretics.
Treatment may also involve positioning the affected body parts to improve drainage. For example, swelling in feet or ankles may be reduced by having the person lie down in bed or sit with the feet propped up on cushions. Intermittent pneumatic compression can be used to pressurize tissue in a limb, forcing fluids—both blood and lymph—to flow out of the compressed area.
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