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The Importance of the Lymphedema Sleeve

For those suffering from lymphedema of the arm, the lymphedema sleeve is of utmost importance. A diagnosis of lymphedema comes as a great shock as many people are often unaware of the existence of such a condition. The fact that lymphedema is an incurable condition and that it can only be controlled with therapy is another factor that causes great distress to patients. Although there are several options for treatment, using compression garments is an effective way to provide the compression required for the affected limb.

Wearing the compression garment daily is of vital importance for people with lymphedema. The garments can exert a specific amount of pressure on the limb which helps to prevent the fluid buildup in the affected limb. Compression sleeves are made up of tight stretchable fabric and can be worn on the arms, legs, or hands. The fitting of the sleeve must be carried out by an expert so that it fits the patient properly to exert the essential pressure on the limb. A loose sleeve will not be of any use for compression and instead may cause irritation to the skin. Sometimes, the compression sleeve may have to be custom made to fit the particular extremity, but usually the patients find a suitable garment that is readily available.

Lymphedema sleeves do not pump out excess fluid in the limb, but prevent the fluid from accumulating. Therefore, compression garments are mostly used after the lymphatic massage to maintain the reduction of the edema. Often, the patient may require more than one sleeve, as the size of the limb changes as a result of the therapy. A specific amount of compression is needed for the garment to be effective enough to prevent the fluid from accumulating. With continuous use and regular washing, the compression garment will lose its effectiveness over time and may need to be replaced. Since a compression garment is required for daily wear, it is practical to have a pair of sleeves so that they can be alternated with each other.

In order to be fitted with a compression sleeve, the doctor’s prescription is required. The doctor will prescribe the garment for the particular arm or leg along with the compression level required. A medical justification might also be required from your doctor, if your insurance plan allows for reimbursement of the expense. This could be an ongoing requirement as you may need to replace your compression garment at least once in six months, so your doctor should be apprised of this.

The cost of lymphedema sleeves may vary and usually the custom- made ones are more expensive than the ones available over the counter. Although Medicare does not reimburse these expenses, it might be a good idea to get a medical insurance plan that does. However, a recent ruling has deemed compression garments to be included as prosthetics, which are covered under Medicare. Compression garments may be procured from a store selling durable medical equipment or can even be purchased at one of the online stores.

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