If you’ve had swelling in your arms or legs and you’ve been diagnosed with lymphedema, it’s important to get treated for lymphedema. Untreated lymphedema can lead to:
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Cellulitis
- Recurrent infection
- Cancer of the lymphatic system called Lymphangiosarcoma
The good news is that you can get lymphedema treatment that will help prevent these possible complications.
What is Lymphedema and Why Did I Get It?
Lymphedema is where fluid accumulates in certain lymph nodes in your body. The result is painful swelling which can lead to a number of very serious problems. You can get lymphedema after surgeries, especially surgeries which involve the lymph nodes and breast cancer surgeries. You can also get lymphedema from accidents, parasites, liposuction surgery complications, and unknown causes.
What Does Lymphedema Treatment Do?
Lymphedema treatment works on controlling swelling and pain that occurs with lymphedema. Although there is no cure for lymphedema, it can be managed successfully using the following techniques:
- Compression Bandaging –This is where a certified therapist will apply compression bandages. These compression bandages help reduce lymphatic fluid plus prevent further accumulating fluid
- Manual lymph drainage (MLD) — This gentle massage technique helps move the fluid out of the affected areas of your body.
- Therapeutic Exercise Program — You may receive exercises that will decrease your pain and increase your range of motion
- Skin Care Therapy — Because lymphedema will damage and dry your skin, it’s important to have a skin care regimen. Often people who have lymphedema have skin infections which skin care will help control
- Compression Clothing Fitting — Once the lymphedema starts to improve, you will need to wear special compression clothing that will help reduce the chance of further occurrences of the condition
Even though lymphedema is incurable, these treatments can greatly reduce complications associated with lymphedema.