Lymphedema is when there’s a blockage in the lymphatic system. As a result of this blockage, it causes swelling of the appendage. Currently, there isn’t a cure for the disease, but in this article, we will discuss various treatments for lymphedema.
We encourage you to continue reading as many of the treatments we’ll explain may prove to be beneficial and help to control the symptoms caused by lymphedema.
Treatment For Lymphedema
There are many treatments that your doctor may suggest when it comes to treating your lymphedema. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery if an infection is evident and needs immediate treatment.
Before your doctor can discuss ways to treat your lymphedema, they must first diagnose you. This will be done through assessing the signs and symptoms that you may tell them you’re having, or they may notice them during your visit.
If the signs aren’t apparent to you or your doctor, they may schedule several diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions before making the official diagnosis. After the diagnosis has been made, it’s time to decide on a treatment plan.
Exercises
There are a host of exercises that your doctor will give you to do, or they may send you to a physical therapist that will assist you with the exercises. These exercises will help you to complete everyday tasks like bending your arm to carry groceries.
The exercises will focus on natural movements and forcing the muscles in your limbs to contract gently without causing you unnecessary pain and discomfort. In addition to the exercises, you’ll be given, you may also want to consider some detox options that also encourage the flow of the excess fluid from your limbs.
Bandaging The Affected Appendage
Your doctor may also bandage the limb that is affected by the lymphedema. When the bandages are wrapped around the arm or leg, the bandage will begin at the end of the extremity tightly. As the bandage is wrapped towards the trunk, it will get looser.
Manual Drainage
Manual drainage, otherwise known as a massage, is a way to manually cause the excess liquid to move out of the tissues. You must find someone that is licensed to perform this type of massage.
You shouldn’t get a massage if you’ve had a skin issue or are showing signs of infection in the affected arm or leg.
Compression Garments
You may have to wear sleeves or stockings that apply constant pressure to your affected limb. The constant pressure will encourage the trapped liquid to flow from the limb and be removed from the tissues.
You should wear the sleeve whenever your completing your exercises and should ask your doctor to demonstrate how to correctly put the sleeve or stocking on.
Talk With Your Doctor Today
There are many forms of treatment for lymphedema that you might choose from. It is up to you and your doctor to find the right treatment that most benefits you and your lymphedema. If one form of treatment doesn’t work, you can always try another one or a combination of a few treatments.
If you’ve found this article to be helpful and informative, we think you should read some of the other articles we’ve posted to our website.