EFFECTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION ON THE FUNCTIONALITY OF A PATIENT WITH GRADE III LYMPHEDEMA ASSOCIATED WITH BILATERAL KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A CASE REPORT
Grade III lymphedema associated with bilateral knee osteoarthritis is a clinical condition that significantly impairs functionality, mobility, and quality of life, particularly in older adults. This study aimed to report the effects of physiotherapeutic intervention in a patient diagnosed with grade III lower-limb lymphedema associated with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. This is a descriptive case report with a qualitative approach conducted at the Physical Therapy Teaching Clinic of Iguaçu University. The physiotherapeutic assessment included medical history, inspection, palpation, goniometry, perimetry, muscle strength assessment using the Oxford Scale, gait analysis, and pain evaluation through the Visual Analog Scale. The treatment protocol consisted of manual lymphatic drainage, joint mobilization, therapeutic stretching, and mobility exercises. At the end of the follow-up period, a reduction in edema, improved joint mobility, pain relief, gait improvement, and partial recovery of functional capacity were observed. These findings reinforce the importance of physiotherapy as a conservative treatment strategy for managing lymphedema associated with knee osteoarthritis, contributing to functional recovery and improved quality of life.