Lymphedema Treatment

Lymphedema treatment options vary according to the severity of the symptoms, in addition to the seriousness of the fibrosis of the limb in question. Fibrosis is the accumulation of hard tissue in the area which is affected. There are a number of therapies that are used as a lymphedema treatment . A common strategy is that of combining compression garment or bandages, complete decongestive therapy and home sequential gradient pumps. It should be noted that any of these methods alone may be sufficient, depending on the seriousness of the lymphedema.

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Sequential Gradient Pump Therapy

This lymphedema treatment type is carried out using a pneumatic sleeve which inflates and deflates in order to provide pressure to gently move the lymph fluid around the lymphatic system. It is not uncommon for this treatment to be used for around 15 minutes prior to manual lymphatic drainage. Patients do however see alleviation of symptoms using sequential gradient pump therapy without actually undergoing manual lymphatic drainage treatment.

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymph drainage is a Lymphedema treatment which is also known as complete decongestive therapy and could also be described as gentle massage. The purpose is to promote the flow of lymph fluid into the circulatory system to reach healthy lymph nodes, where it can drain away. This therapy should be avoided in cases where there is skin infection.

Compression Bandaging

?Compression bandaging is a Lymphedma treatment that entails the wrapping of a number of layers of padding and bandages to the affected area. This promotes the pumping action of the lymph vessels by effectively increasing the resistance that they push against, thereby encouraging lymph fluid flow and softening areas which are swollen. It is thought that short-stretch bandages are more effective than long stretch bandages. This is because you cannot achieve the higher tension that is required to reduce the lymphedema size.

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Compression Garments

?Elastic compression garments tend to be placed on the limb affected by the lymphedema after Manual Lymphatic drainage therapy, to keep the size of lymphedema reduced. Compression garments can be made to measure or bought over the counter in standardized sizes. These compression garments should be worn for prolonged periods in order that edema reduction is maintained, but should be changed at regular intervals and kept clean.

Exercise

?Exercise aids in the transport of lymph fluid around the lymphatic system due to the action of the muscles which are the lymphatic systems primary circulation mechanism. In addition to this, the range of movement of affected areas is often limited by lymphedema and so exercise can help to maintain a good range of movement.

Skin Care

?Sufferers of lymphedema are at a higher risk of infection and so gentle but thorough cleaning of affected areas is important. Appropriate cleaning and moisturizing routines should be included as part of a lymphedema treatment regime. The emphasis should be on reducing infection risk by keeping the area clean and moisturized but not over cleaning, which could result in excessive drying and damage, which leaves the area at risk from infection.

Conclusion

In conclusion the primary purpose of treatment is to promote lymph fluid movement around the lymphatic system in order to alleviate symptoms, and a number of strategies are usually employed. In addition to the above therapies, sometimes surgery is considered appropriate and there are cases where drugs are administered as a treatment..

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