Lower Extremity Lymphedema
Many people suffer from chronic swelling or lympedema of the lower extremities. For some it is primary, meaning they were born with lymphatic problems. For others it is secondary, caused from trauma, surgery, venous insufficiency, radiation therapy, cancer, lack of mobility, medications or infection.
Lower Extremity Lymphedema
Symptoms of Lymphedema
- Leg swelling
- A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the affected leg(s)
- The skin of the leg(s) feeling taut or retaining an impression when pressed
- The leg(s) being hard to move or less flexible
- Clothing feeling unusually tight
- Reddening of the skin on the leg
- Weakness, pain or aching in the leg
- Dermal changes in the skin, cracking or itching
How is Lymphedema Treated?
Unfortunately, there's no outright cure for lymphedema. Instead, the condition is managed in an effort to minimize its effects by seeking to decrease the swelling, control the discomfort or pain, and avoid complications. Lymphedema treatments include:
- Exercise: Special kinds of exercises that gently contract muscles can aid in pumping lymph fluid out of the swollen limb.
- Massage: Specially trained physical or massage therapists can provide manual lymph drainage, a series of gentle massage maneuvers that encourage lymph flow out of the affected limb. However, people who have active cancer, infections, blood clots or congestive heart failure should not undergo this form of treatment.
- Compression: Compression can also encourage the flow of lymph out of the affected arm. Compression can be provided in a number of ways, including elastic bandaging, a special compression sleeve or stocking, or the use of pneumatic compression pump.
What is Pneumatic Compression Therapy?
The system consists of a pump and an appliance (sleeve) which fits over the extremity. The compression pump has individual, overlapping bladders that inflate with air, distal to proximal, in a gradual gradient sequential fashion.
Since our lymphatic system runs distal to proximal, the use of a compression pump in essence mimics the natural lymphatic system. When the lymphatic system becomes interrupted or damaged moving lymphatic fluid becomes challenging. The gentle massaging action of a pneumatic compression device will help move lymphatic fluid for the body to process.
Pneumatic compression devices are a lightweight, easy to use, relaxing, low cost way to treat upper body lymphedema all in the comfort of your home.
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