WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA

Lymphedema is chronic swelling caused by a build-up of protein rich fluid when the lymphatic system is either faulty or damaged. It can occur anywhere in the body. Most commonly it is in the legs, feet or arm. Some of the common signs of lymphedema are: a feeling of heaviness in an extremity, the inability to wear your normal shoe size or a visible size difference in a body part.  It is an under diagnosed and chronic problem for many people.

Lymphedema affects more people than ALS+ Parkinson + Cystic Fibrosis + Muscular Dystrophy COMBINED! An estimated 3-5 million Americans suffer from this chronic condition.

CAUSES OF SWELLING

• Congenital malformation of the lymphatic system where swelling presents in puberty , early 20’s or pregnancy

• Lymph node removal for cancer treatments

• Surgery or radiation treatments

• Injury to lymphatic vessels due to trauma or infection

• Venous insufficiency causing overload of the lymphatic vessels

CURES

Cures for Lymphedema are unknown but being researched at this time. Complete Decongestive Therapy is current “gold standard” with the goal of returning the limb to normal or near normal size utilizing the remaining lymph vessels and other lymphatic pathways. Self-Management of the condition is possible to maintain the limb size and prevent the re-accumulation of lymph fluid. Compression therapy is the most critical component of treatment.

COMPLETE DECONGESTIVE THERAPY APPROACH

Includes:

• Self-Management education

• Manual Lymph Drainage- a specialized massage

• Compression: as indicated and may include: elastic sleeve or stocking during the day, overnight compression

• Exercise individually Selected with compression to accelerate lymph flow

• Low Salt Diet

• Elevation

• Skin Care to avoid infections