Elevation
Elevation (medicine)
Elevation (pronounced: /ˌeləˈvāSH(ə)n/) is a term used in medicine to describe the act of raising a part of the body to a higher position. This is often done to reduce swelling or to improve blood circulation.
Etymology
The term 'elevation' comes from the Latin word 'elevatio', which means 'a lifting up'.
Related Terms
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.
- Edema: A condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.
- Venous Return: The rate of blood flow back to the heart.
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, elevation is often recommended as a treatment for various conditions. For example, if a person has a sprained ankle, they may be advised to elevate the foot to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process. Similarly, in cases of orthostatic hypotension, elevation of the legs can help to increase venous return and thus improve blood pressure.
Elevation can also be used in surgical procedures. For instance, during a surgical operation, the part of the body being operated on may be elevated to improve visibility and access for the surgeon.
See Also
- RICE (medicine): An acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, a common treatment for sprains and strains.
- Postural Drainage: A method used to assist in clearing mucus from the lungs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Elevation
- Wikipedia's article - Elevation
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