What is lymphedema?
- Lymphedema is chronic swelling in the tissues due to accumulation of protein rich fluid that is typically drained by the lymphatic system. Frequently occurs in the arms and legs although can be present in other parts of the body.
- Signs and symptoms of lymphedema vary from mild to severe with swelling of the limb, feeling of tightness in the skin, limited range of motion, recurrent infections, hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis).
- What is the lymphatic system?
- The lymphatic system is part of the immune systems with functions including removal of bacteria to prevent illness, maintaining of body fluid levels, removing cellular waste and absorbing of digestive tract fats.
- The lymph fluid is generally a clear fluid that contains mostly protein and white blood cell with lymph vessels draining from tissues and organs. Lymph nodes then filter the fluid and drain intothe blood stream.
What are possible causes of lymphedema?
- Lymphedema is caused by the blocking of lymph drainage with possible causes consisting of cancer/cancer treatment, cardiovascular disease, organ failure, trauma, surgery or congenital condition.
What is the treatment for lymphedema?
- Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which consists of skin/wound care, manual lymph drainage (MLD), exercise program, compression therapy with progression to compression garments and maintenance program to manage lymphedema independently.
What to expect with treatment for lymphedema?
- Skin assessment with wound care as needed
- Manual lymph drainage consists of light skin stretching massage to stimulate lymph vessels which are just below the skin to move fluid to unaffected area of body. However, a deeper massage may be necessary in areas of fibrosis to break up the area for lymph drainage to occur.
- Compression therapy consisting of compression wraps with use of short stretch bandages (low elasticity bandage with high working pressure that is required for lymph drainage and venous flow) to affected area with goal to be fitted for compression garments to manage lymphedema long term.
- Exercises to promote lymph drainage from the affected area with utilization of compression therapy.
- Education on self-management of lymphedema
Live in Motion’s Lymphedema Specialist:
Jessica Ziegler MS, OTR/L, CLT
