Causes and Treatment for Lymphedema Leg Condition

One of the causes of lymphedema in the legs is primary lymphedema, which is a hereditary condition due to the genetic make up of the individual. Usually there is a malformation of the lymphatic system at birth which results in the pooling of fluids in the lower extremities, causing a swelling. There is a family history of leg lymphedema in such cases as well.

Secondary lymphedema of the leg is caused due to trauma to the lymphatic system, generally after surgical removal of the lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, radiation therapy for cancer in the abdominal region, the groin or the pelvic area. Lymphedema of the upper extremities is common with breast cancer while lymphedema of the leg is seen in cases with cancer treatment of the prostrate, lung, liver and abdominal cancers. The swelling caused by lymphedema can also be a result of fluid production in the abdomen which spreads to the legs.

Treatment for lymphedema must begin as soon as signs of the disease are seen. The most apparent sign is, of course, the swelling that may appear like a small bump with pain in the area. Other signs include heavy ankles or a small swelling on the inner knee area or sometimes even a pooling of fluid behind the knee. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, visit your doctor. It is advisable to start treating lymphedema before it gets out of hand and becomes impossible to reverse. In the initial stage, simple methods of treatment help to get the swelling down. Daily use of well fitted elastic stockings is a must and you may keep your feet elevated as much as possible. At night, the lymphedema leg should be wrapped with elastic wraps and kept elevated to promote the lymphatic flow.

To keep the lymphedema in check, you can do simple leg exercises like leg kicks, pumping the feet up and down or going up and down on the toes while standing. Walking regularly and following an exercise routine can help in reducing the swelling and controlling lymphedema. As with any lymphedema symptoms, make sure to maintain good skin hygiene. It is essential to wash the legs with regular soap, rinse the legs thoroughly and dry the area between the toes to avoid infections. If you do get an infection or have an ingrown toe nail, ensure that you treat it immediately.

People suffering from lymphedema of the legs should wear closed shoes with padded socks to protect the feet from injury. The feet should be kept clean and dry and extreme care should be taken while cutting the toe nails. Patients should avoid using tight clothes and undergarments or socks with tight elastic bands. Constricting the limb may increase the pressure in the blood vessels leading to fluid retention and swelling. During air travel, it is desirable to wear compression stockings so as not to aggravate the lymphedema leg. Although, till date, there is no cure for lymphedema, with certain precautionary measures, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing the condition or at least delaying its onset.

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LYMPHEDEMA PUMP

Lymphedema causes excess of lymph fluid to lie stagnant in the certain parts of the body, generally the limbs thereby causing swellings. Lymphedema pumps are exclusively used to get rid of the excess lymphatic fluid that is collected in the limbs and is sent back to the cardiovascular system. This systems helps flush out all the toxic materials that gather in the tissues of the individuals body. The pump treatment is a professional treatment that needs to be carried out under the supervision of the therapists.
The lymphedema pump treatment consists of two phases in the treatment which is the preparation and the drainage stage. Preparatory stage is nothing but the Manual Lymph Drainage therapy which firstly makes sure that the lymphatic vessels are prepared to take off the fluid by draining it through the pumping process. This is an important phase and if not done well the lymphatic vessel is not prepared to remove the excess lymph fluid. This could even cause additional damage since sometimes the fluid can spill over to the other tissues that surround it.
The lymphedema pump in the drainage phase needs to be set so that the right pressure is applied before the garment is added on. Once the pump is put on, it automatically starts working for the period of time you set it for. The pump works gently and simulates the fluid that has gathered excessively in a particular limb and sends it back into the lymphatic vessel, which takes it to the bloodstream for purification.
The two types of lymphedema pump that are available are sequential gradient pump and the flexitouch pump. The sequential gradient pump is automated and pushes air into the garment it is fixed into. This gently creates a pumping kind of motion which helps regulate the flow of lymph. FlexiTouch pump aids in taking care of both the phases of treatment.

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LYMPHEDEMA MASSAGE

Lymphedema is a condition that causes the limbs to swell because the capacity of the lymphatic system is either reduced or damaged. The two lymphedema massage therapies manual lymph drainage and lymphatic massage are based on the idea that the blocked or damaged lymph vessels can be manipulated so that its function improves. Lymphatic massage involves application of pressure that is gently which also aids in relaxing the body. On the other hand MLD massage therapy involves a technique that deals in circular technique along with gentle stokes that is towards the direction of your heart.
Lymphedema massage is extremely beneficial in treating and alleviating the swelling that all lymphedema patients are subject to. The massage therapy also helps in relaxing the body so that it deals better not only with stress but invariably strengthens the immune system as well. The therapy works wonders and unlike surgery that is not 100% guaranteed and even causes a lot of pain; the lymphedema massage therapy helps the individual lead a normal life. However these massages need to be carried out under the supervision of a certified lymphedema massage therapists.
The lymphatic massage therapy system works at simulating the lymph vessels and nodes so that the blockages are reduced which keeps the lymph fluid flowing so that the immune system remains healthy. The massage therapy involves getting rid of al the toxic material thereby promoting an immune system that is strong.
The manual lymph massage on the other hand has been around since ages and was initially used to detoxify the body. Today this massage is used so that it helps regulate the lymphatic system, and this is bought about by gentle massaging that unblocks any lymph vessel. This in turn allows the free flow of lymph fluid in the body thereby inducing the release of toxins.

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LYMPHEDEMA BANDAGES

One of the most effective treatment processes of dealing with lymphedema is the usage of lymphedema bandages. When these bandage are worn well it functions as a compression garment that is custom made every time it is used. Bandaging is excellent and adapts to your body or contours of your limbs easily, unlike a custom made or even ready made garment that is used for compression. With lymphedema bandages, the individual can experience almost 50% of reduction in swelling of the limbs. This is therefore a very effective technique that can be used in treating lymphedema.
A few effects that good bandaging possesses are
It can be reduced in size, as the skin reduces in size, since it supports the skin.
Because it increases the tension on the limbs that are affected it aids in decreasing ultra filtration.
The muscle pump mechanism gets even effective because of proper bandaging.
All lymphedema bandages are multi layered as well as low-compression bandages. This is because the bandages are quite thick as it is consists of atleast 8-10 layers of material. Each of these layers is made of different materials which aid in their individual function. The three basic layers in these bandages include equalization, absorption, and compression.
Lymphedema bandages are a bit expensive, however the price of these bandages usually depend on the extremity of the case it is required to treat. These bandages are particularly effective in treating patients who suffer from stage 1 and stage 2 of lymphedema. This helps in controlling the swellings that the limbs are subject to. They are effective and can be worn even during the nights when the bandages apply a gentle compression on the limbs especially when the muscles are relaxed and inactive. Bandages are also effective in continually reducing the swelling in the limbs which is its main aim.

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Leg Lymphedema Treatment and what you can do to protect yourself.

Leg lymphedema or lower extremities lymphedema requires immediate treatment that will help take care of this condition. Sometimes the initial stages show up discreetly behind the curve of the leg, or sometimes individuals also experience a little heaviness in the knees and ankles. As soon as individuals experience such symptoms it is best to consult a physician. However leg lymphedema treatment should be followed as early as possible. Some of the most effective treatments in leg lymphedema are natural methods that are not invasive and not leave surgical scars on the body.
Treating lymphedema or swelling in the leg caused due to stagnant lymph fluid in the leg can be effectively taken care of with compression as well as manual lymph drainage methods. These methods help regulate the circulation of the lymph fluids in the blocked vessels and also help direct their flow. Another important part of the treatment for leg lymphedema is that patients should avoid wearing footwear that is tight and not comfortable. Instead choosing footwear with comfortable padding, regularly clipping toe nails and avoiding tight leg garments, socks, undergarments etc should be on the foremost.
Another leg lymphedema treatment includes the elevating of limbs so that the lymph flow is directed and it also prevents the fluid from collecting in any particular place. There are leg exercises as well that the patient should follow, this again helps in keeping the flow of lymph regulated. This is because exercises help expand and contract the vessels so that lymph fluid flows easily.

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