The lymphedema treatments are the basis for treating of lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition whereby the body’s natural lymph fluid builds up in certain areas of the body such as the arms and lower legs. This usually results from the lymph system being compromised in some way. Breast cancer is a common reason for lymphedema in the arms but there are many other causes.
Lymphedema can be a long-term condition which causes aches and pains and immobility as well as being unsightly. The condition of the skin may be a problem and it can break down, leaving the patient at risk of infection. At its worst, it may be difficult to fit stockings, shoes and sleeves over limbs affected by lymphedema. However, it can be treated.
What Are the Lymphedema Treatments for
Lymphedema treatments are primarily aimed at tackling the following symptoms of the condition:
- Getting lymph fluid moving from the tissues where it has built up
- Reducing the swelling in affected limbs
- Helping to control the return of this swelling
- Softening tissue which has become fibrotic through long-term swelling
- Improving overall health
Most Common Lymphedema Treatments Available
There are several lymphedema treatments through which the reduction of these symptoms can be achieved, and together they make up what has been termed Complete Decongestive Therapy. These treatments are long-term and need to be kept up in order to successfully treat the lymphedema and prevent its return or worsening. Specialist therapists trained in these methods will all approach them slightly differently according to how they were trained, but the therapy always has certain elements to it:
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Compression techniques
- Self-management
- Exercise for lymphedema
Now let us have a look at those lymphedema treatments and how they reduce lymphedema symptoms:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Otherwise know as M.L.D., this is a very gentle form of massage, initially carried out by professionals and then forming part of the patient’s long-term self-care. This kind of lymphedema drainage massage should be carried out once or twice a day at least and is aimed at getting the lymph fluid moving around the body, and so reducing the swelling of lymphedema. It is a specialized form of massage using feather-light pressure.
However, it is not difficult to learn how to do this massage for yourself and it is very relaxing!
Compression Techniques
Compression bandages and compression stockings or sleeves are a vital part of the ongoing care needed for lymphedema. These techniques all maximize the benefits of manual lymphatic drainage massage and maintain them. What kind of compression that is needed depends on the stage and severity of the lymphedema.
Lymphedema pumps are another form of treatment for lymphedema which will help to reduce the swelling in the affected limbs and are particularly used in the treatment of more severe lymphedema.
Self-Management
After the initial lymphedema treatment, the patient will probably have less input from a professional but the key to long-term lymphedema care is self-management. Self-management of lymphedema should be part of your daily routine but it should not take long. It includes the following elements:
- Compression garments;
- Manual lymphatic drainage massage;
- Skin care to keep the skin soft and unbroken, to reduce the risk of infection;
- Daily exercise to help to keep the lymph fluid moving and keep the affected limb mobile as well as controlling weight, which can be a factor in lymphedema control. Learning the correct type of exercise for lymphedema will really help to get the lymph fluid moving.
By implementing these lymphedema treatments, the symptoms of lymphedema can be greatly reduced and the condition can be successfully controlled long-term.
