Current methods of treating lymphedema

Besides elevating the extremity and maintaining good skin care, there are other effective ways to reduce swelling in the extremity.

Extremity wrapping: In the past compression bandages were recommended for the treatment of lymphedema. These elastic bandages can be wrapped around the leg or arm for days at a time. The bandages act by slowly squeezing the muscles and gradually pushing the fluid out. The bandages do not always work and must be worn for a long time. The biggest problem with the bandages is that they can become uncomfortable to wear. Most people do not know how much pressure to apply during the wrap- and more often then not, the pressure is excessive. However, if one has no other treatment methods, use of elastic bandages is worthwhile. Today, there are a number of extremity wraps which are more comfortable to wear for long periods

Massage has been shown to reduce lymphedema. However, the massage should be undertaken regularly and for a long time. The massage acts by stimulating the muscles and reducing the fluid in the tissues. Massages should be avoided when the overlying skin is broken or infected. Further, elderly individuals with heart problems do not tolerate massage therapy well. While massage therapy does work to some extent, it is an expensive undertaking. Each session may cost anywhere from $25-$50 and therapy to be performed on a daily basis for months. And the downside is that not everyone responds to massage therapy.

Pneumatic compression. One of the best treatments for lymphedema is the use of pneumatic compression pumps. Basically, the pumps come with a cuff which is wrapped around the extremity. The cuff is connected to a small pump which sequentially inflates and deflates the cuff a few times every minute. The cuffs squeeze the muscles and move the fluid out of the tissues. The pneumatic cuffs can be worn at night or even during the day is one is bed ridden. These sequential pumps even prevent the development of blood clots in the leg veins. There are many styles and brands of these pumps for home use. The pumps should be used on a daily basis and the majority of users find a significant decrease in lymphedema.

Compression garments are probably the first resort treatment for lymphedema. Basically these compression stockings are worn over the extremity and they reduce the fluid in the tissues. The stockings have graded pressure and act by sequentially squeezing the muscles and moving the fluid up the extremity. There are many styles, sizes, colors and brands of compression stockings. The latest stockings are easy to wear, comfortable and made of soft fabrics. The stockings can be worn all day and removed at night. One can even leave them on for a few days at a time. Compression stockings provide the best relief from lymphedema. Not only are they a cheaper alternative, they do not have any drawbacks. The only criterion is that one needs to get the proper stocking size for proper fit.

Surgery is not used to treat lymphedema. It is associated with severe complications and scars which never heal. Surgery is the last resort and there is always the possibility that it can make the deformity worse. If any physician recommends surgery as first resort, always seek a second opinion

Lymphedema is a chronic condition and one can never completely cure it. However, compression garments can make a big difference both physically and functionally. To avoid health care professional from mistaking your disorder as varicose veins, wear a medical bracelet

For more on compressive garments, visit www.medexsupply.com