Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by swelling in an affected limb or area of the body. Lymphedema typically manifests after trauma or following certain treatments for conditions such as breast cancer. These treatments, including surgical removal of underarm lymph nodes, chemotherapy, or radiation, may damage or destroy local lymph nodes and/or vessels. Careful management of symptoms may slow or …
Improve Functionality with Lymphedema Exercises
Maintaining a healthy lymphatic system is in everyone’s best interest. It’s not just for patients diagnosed with the lymphatic system disorder, lymphedema. The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels and nodes — plus the spleen. These vessels and nodes are present throughout the body, roughly paralleling the more familiar blood circulatory system. But there’s one key difference. While …
Complete Decongestive Therapy
Many patients who receive a diagnosis of lymphedema will subsequently be prescribed a treatment regimen called complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This therapy (also called Complex Decongestive Therapy) consists of four or more separate, simultaneous approaches to the management of the swelling and lymph fluid accumulation that characterize lymphedema. CDT is considered the gold standard for treatment once lymphedema has progressed …
Common Myths About Lymphedema
Lymphedema is common among cancer survivors. This is especially true of women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer. The removal of lymph nodes under the arm(s), and/or radiation therapy, may damage the lymphatic system. This can hinder its ability to do its job; draining high-protein fluid from affected tissues. This leads to an accumulation of these fluids, resulting in …
How Long Should You Wear Your Compression Socks?
How Long Should You Wear Your Compression Socks? People wear compression socks for a variety of reasons. Patients diagnosed with the irreversible condition known as lymphedema, for instance, will almost invariably be prescribed compression wear to help control swelling in an affected limb or body part. Because lymphedema is incurable, it’s important for patients to follow the advice of their …
Make Your Wardrobe Spring-Ready with Decorative Compression Garments
It may still be winter, but it’s never too early to start thinking ahead to spring, especially when it comes to your wardrobe! Colorful new decorative compression garments could be just the thing to let you lighten up the dreary winter in anticipation of warmer weather to come. Manufacturers such as LympheDIVAs, LympheDUDEs, Juzo, and others offer a wide selection …
Understanding the Different Types of Arm Compression Garments
Manufacturers have engineered different types of arm compression garments to address lymphedema of varying degrees, which may affect different areas of the arm(s). Lymphedema of the arm strikes women most often due to treatments for breast cancer. But men can also develop lymphedema for various reasons, so there’s a separate category of sleeves specifically designed to appeal to men. Compression …
The Benefits of Swimming for Managing Lymphedema
There was once a time when people thought that exercise was out of the question for lymphedema patients. If anything, it was thought to possibly exacerbate symptoms. Recent studies and continued research, however, show that certain types of exercise can, in fact, be beneficial in managing lymphedema. These days, doctors and other lymphedema professionals are far more likely to encourage …
Accept and Embrace Your Compression Sleeves
For many breast cancer survivors, the sudden occurrence of lymphedema is an unexpected — and decidedly unwelcome. Having endured the fear, pain, and trauma of therapies designed to help them survive their dreaded disease, it’s no wonder many women view the development of lymphedema as an insult to injury. Lymphedema is a chronic, incurable condition in which certain parts of …
Lymphedema’s Impact Extends Beyond Breast Cancer Patients
Lymphedema is frequently associated with women following successful treatments for breast cancer. Breast cancer often requires the removal or irradiation of lymph nodes in the armpits or chest, which can trigger the lymphatic dysfunction that results in chronic lymphedema. This common depiction, though, does not fully encapsulate the lymphedema community. Men Are Susceptible Too Lymphedema is by no means exclusive …