Compression sleeves and garments happen to be intended to do exactly what the name implies: provide compression to the arm, hand, or chest to maintain lymph flowing in the appropriate direction. (Remember that some lymphatic tubes are just beneath the skin’s surface.) The usefulness of compression sleeves as a standalone treatment for lymphedema has yet to be studied in research studies. However, specialists discovered that they are helpful when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
All of the outfits are constructed of a stretchy fabric. The sleeves are more snug at the bottom than at the top. This contributes to the steady pressure (or “gradient”) that maintains lymph flow out of the arm. Furthermore, there are a number of fabrics available, some of which are softer, some of which are stiffer, and some of which may incorporate materials such as wool or latex.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is the medical name for an inflammation of the lymphatic tissue that causes lymph to accumulate mostly in the body’s soft tissues. There are two kinds of it:
Primary lymphedema develops as a result of a defect in the lymphatic system’s development. Symptoms can appear shortly after delivery or later in adulthood.
Secondary lymphedema develops as a result of lymphatic system injury. Infection, injury, cancer, lymph node excision, radiation to the affected area, or scar tissue after radiation therapy or surgery can all damage or clog the lymphatic system.
In the event that you have moderate lymphedema which defines (stage 0 or I), your first line of treatment may be compression garments for lymphedema or sleeve. To alleviate swelling (or “decongest” the limb) in stage II and III lymphedema, a treatment programme termed complex decongestant therapy (CDT) is advised first. Following that, you would wear a compression sleeve or garment to keep the results. Your lymphedema therapist will advise you on how often and for how long to use it (all day, part of the day, only for “more risky” activities).
How can you spot lymphedema?
- Swelling (also known as edoema or congestion) of one or more limbs (often asymmetric)
- Swelling is evident towards the back of the foot if a lower limb is implicated.
- Without suffering
- A sense of tension
- Depending on the stage of lymphedema, there may be a restriction in range of motion.
- Depending on the stage of lymphedema, the skin may be thick or hardened.
- Skin diseases that recur
Depending on the stage of lymphedema, positive Stemmer’s sign: This means you can’t pinch or pull a skin fold at the base of the second toe, the base of the middle finger, or another swollen portion of your body.
Lymphedema Is Caused By What?
Primary lymphedema and secondary (or acquired) lymphedema are the two subtypes of lymphedema.
Primary lymphedema is thought to be caused by a congenital defect of the lymphatic conduction system.
Secondary lymphedema is acquired as a result of injury to the lymphatic system (lymphatic vessels and/or lymph nodes) or a functional impairment. Lymphedema can be caused by infections caused by bug bites, severe wounds, or burns that damage or destroy the lymphatic system. Severe obesity, any form of surgery, a significant injury, or radiation from cancer treatment (or the tumour itself) can all contribute to the disease’s development.
Treatment
To cure lymphedema, you must first be diagnosed by your specialist doctor, and then you should go to orthopaedics to learn about the available products for your clinical condition.
Why is skin care crucial for lymphedema patients?
When lymphatic flow is chronically obstructed, protein-rich fluid accumulates in soft tissues, causing inflammatory areas of the body to enlarge. In addition, because the lymphatic system is damaged, the immune system’s function is compromised. As a result, it is critical to maintain the integrity of your skin and treat skin disorders with caution. In this manner, you reduce the danger of infection.