CLICK HERE For The Best Lymphedema Treatment Guide
CLICK HERE For The Best Lymphedema Treatment Guide
Arm Lymphedema – Symptoms and Treatment
Arm lymphedema occurs when there is an obstruction in the lymphatic flow in the arm due to a trauma to the lymphatic nodes and vessels. It is a common condition among women who have been treated with radiation or surgery for breast cancer. Removal of the lymph nodes either by axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy can result in fluid build up in the arm causing a swelling. This could be acute lymphedema where the condition may last for a few months after surgery, or it could be chronic wherein the condition lasts for years together or almost throughout life.
The most visible symptoms of the condition are the swelling in the arm. The swelling may be mild so it is not noticeable or it could be so severe that the arm balloons out of proportion and cannot be used for any activity. The swelling could appear in the hand or the fingers of the affected arm. There may also be an ache or a sense of discomfort in the arm. Skin on the arm may thicken or become fibrotic. Generally, the patient would notice that clothes become tight around the sleeves or that rings and bracelets do not fit any more.
The aim of the treatment for arm lymphedema is to reduce the swelling and to prevent it from recurring. The lymphatic system cannot be repaired, so once the lymphedema has set in, there is no way to reverse it. The treatment follows the standard practice of a physical therapy involving manual lymph drainage, bandages, compression garments, skin care and exercise. The therapy is aimed at helping the patients to continue their daily activities as much a possible. Massage therapy helps to stimulate the lymph fluid to move out of the arm and to the venous system, thus reducing the swelling.
Compression garments put the pressure and give resistance to the muscles so as to promote a pumping action that induces the lymph drainage from the arm. The patient may be required to wear a full compression sleeve or a gauntlet, depending on the spread of the edema. A compression bra is worn by women who had mastectomy or lumpectomy. Certain upper body exercises are also an integral part of treatment.
Until recently, doctors treating breast cancer survivors advised their patients against lifting bags or heavy objects with the affected arm. They even asked the patients to wear the watch on the other wrist so as not to aggravate the condition. However, now, new studies have come up with a contrasting view –weight lifting may be good for the arm in case of breast cancer survivors. It was proved in the study that weight lifting, in fact, gave strength to the muscles in the arm and increased overall fitness in the women who had breast cancer surgery.
Skin care is another important aspect of arm lymphedema treatment. Skin should be kept hydrated to prevent it from drying out and cracking. If skin problems occur, they may lead to severe complications of bacterial infections and cellulitis. Therefore, patients must take great precautions to avoid injuries, cuts, burns and bruises to the skin. Open wounds are an entry point for bacteria and hence need to be treated immediately.
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