Living with Lymphedema
Lymphedema is the mechanical breakdown or disruption to the lymphatic system and/or lymph nodes that cause swelling in one or more parts of the body.
It can commonly occur after a major trauma such as surgery, cancer treatment, infections, and in some cases can be hereditary.
Some symptoms that you can experienced are;
Feeling of fullness or heaviness in different parts of your body
Skin tightness
Reduction in the flexibility at your joints
Clothing being tighter in one limb than the other
Jewellery or shoes fitting a little tighter
Obvious limb swelling
The lymphatic system is crucial to our health, as part of our immune system, it helps fight disease and infection. This is a one-way waste drainage system that removes fluid and waste products from cells. The lymphatic system carries a colourless liquid called lymph and it is this lymph which contains white blood cells that help to fight infections and destroy abnormal cells.
There are a variety a of treatments to improve how you live with Lymphedema:
Decongestive therapy - aim is to reduce limb size.
Compression therapy - this is used to move extra fluid out of the affected limb. The compression helps to move the fluid into the lymphatic system.
Manual drainage - which is a specialised massage technique which helps the flow of in the lymphatic system.
Exercise and movement - stimulates muscle pump increase lymph flow alongside improving muscular strength, cardiovascular function and psychological well-being. These can include walking programmes, cycling, light resistance exercise etc.
If you are worried or concerned about the above, or know someone who is, please speak to GP. If you would like to consultant about an exercise programme please get in touch at ben.duckett@pandhtherapy.co.uk.
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