Lymphedema
Treat Lymphedema. Reduce Swelling and Restore Confidence!
What is Lymphedema?
Think of your lymphatic system as a network of tiny canals that drain excess fluid from your tissues. Lymphedema occurs when this fluid buildup isn’t properly carried away, causing swelling, often in the arms or legs.
Lymphedema
Treat Lymphedema. Reduce Swelling and Restore Confidence!
Think of your lymphatic system as a network of tiny canals that drain excess fluid from your tissues. Lymphedema occurs when this fluid buildup isn’t properly carried away, causing swelling, often in the arms or legs.
Causes of Lymphedema:
Lymphedema can result from various causes, including surgical, radiotherapy, chronic infections, and sports injuries. During cancer treatment, surgery that involves removing lymph nodes can cause blockages in the lymphatic drainage system. Radiotherapy can injure fluid channels, hindering the flow of lymphatic fluid through the vessels. Chronic infections that recur frequently can lead to inflammation of the lymph nodes, impairing their ability to drain fluid properly. Although rare, serious sports injuries that damage lymph nodes can also result in lymphedema.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- Swelling in an arm or leg, sometimes accompanied by a tight or heavy feeling.
- Limited range of motion in the affected limb.
- Skin thickening or hardening.
- Recurring infections in the swollen area.
Treatment Options for a Healthier YOU:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A type of delicate massage aiming at increasing movement towards healthier lymph nodes.
- Compression Garments: Customized apparel that helps reduce swelling and discomfort in the affected limb.
- Skin Care Education: Maintaining healthy skin is crucial to prevent infection, which is another concern with lymphedema.
- Exercise Therapy: Certain exercises can promote blood supply as well as drainage of the lymph fluid.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- Swelling in an arm or leg, sometimes accompanied by a tight or heavy feeling.
- Limited range of motion in the affected limb.
- Skin thickening or hardening.
- Recurring infections in the swollen area.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A type of delicate massage aiming at increasing movement towards healthier lymph nodes.
- Compression Garments: Customized apparel that helps reduce swelling and discomfort in the affected limb.
- Skin Care Education: Maintaining healthy skin is crucial to prevent infection, which is another concern with lymphedema.
- Exercise Therapy: Certain exercises can promote blood supply as well as drainage of the lymph fluid.
FAQ's
Absolutely! Exercise plays an important role in managing symptoms of lymphedema. For example, our therapists will suggest exercises that help improve both blood circulation and reduction in swelling hence overall wellness.
The necessity for this depends on the extent of your condition regarding lymphedema. Sometimes when dealing with only the initial stages of reducing swelling one may use them briefly and then stop using them once they get better or just wear them at specific intervals e.g., during long flights or sitting still for hours.
Generally no. However, consulting a doctor and therapist would be useful prior to travel to gain insights like wearing compressions while flying, minimizing risk through good skin care practices, etc.
Although the primary symptom of lymphedema is swelling, some individuals may find it painful or uncomfortable. When you feel hurt, please inform your therapist who will customize your treatment plan to deal with both swelling and pain.