While lymphedema can cause swelling discomfort, prevent would healing and encourage infection, The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis can help reduce its effects, creating greater comfort and increased circulation for a higher quality of life.
Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymph fluid, usually in the limbs, due to the inability of the lymphatic system to keep up with the lymphatic load. It causes swelling in the effected area and is often associated with cancer treatment.
There are two types of lymphedema. Primary lymphedema begins at birth, but may not present signs of swelling until later in life. The cause of primary lymphedema is unknown, but is often associated with vascular anomalies. Secondary lymphedema develops after damage has occurred to the lymph nodes or vessels. It is commonly seen following trauma surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
The symptoms of lymphedema include swolen limbs, feeling tightness in the skin, and heaviness in the limb. People often first notice difficulty fitting watches, bracelets, or clothes on a limb. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately, as early diagnosis and treatment are key for good prognosis in controlling lymphedema.
Treatment for lymphedema needs to be performed by a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT). The therapist will help decrease the swelling with complete decongestive therapy (CDT). CDT involves:
- Skin care to help avoid dryness and infection, often associated with chronic swelling.
- Manual lymph drainage (MLD) gently massages to promote movement of lymph fluid.
- Compression wrappings dress the limb with bandages to decrease the swelling.
- Gentle decongestive exercise promotes the drainage of lymph fluid.
- Compression garments maintain the improvements in limb size achieved during therapy.
There is no cure for lymphedema, but with proper treatment, limbs can return to normal size and improvements can be maintained throughout a lifetime.
- Contact your physician and make an appointment.
- Obtain a prescription / order from your physician for physical therapy to treat lymphedema. The order should include your name, diagnosis, current date and physician signature.
- Schedule an appointment at The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis with a lymphedema therapist by calling 314.658.3950.
- Be sure to bring the order form from your physician to your initial evaluation or fax it to The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis at 314.286.8501.
