How to measure foot swelling, not edema

[motyandproudofit]

How do you measure swelling? I had a patient with a crushed foot injury and at post 3 months the foot was still very swollen, 2x's the size of the other foot. I did not feel right to document edema as it was not edema but rather, inflammatory swelling. I was able to put very little pressure on the foot which showed no pitting.

I ended up measuring each foots circumfrence and noting the difference. This was very difficult for the patient to tolerate as the skin is still quite sensative.

Just wondering if there is a more standard way to document foot swelling.

[liveyourlife747]

Edema is swelling. It can be pitting or non pitting. I would have said non pitting edema to said foot. I think you also did the correct thing by measuring the foot against the other. Good judgement.

[motyandproudofit]

I feel like since it's been 3 months since the injury there should be and should have been some measurement of the swelling.

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

Yes, it should have been monitored in the past but we can't go back in time now :) How does the foot look, it is red, warm/hot to the touch, are the toes discolored, over sensitive?? How are the pulses in the swollen foot? Besides just the measurements, those are the things I would be documenting. After 3 months, the surgeon should see the pt for a follow-up just to make sure everything is ok. Crush injuries are tricky and complications are common.