What is Lymphedema?
You may know it as the problem that causes your feet to swell so you cannot wear regular shoes. Maybe you had breast cancer surgery, and your arm is now swollen out of proportion. It is upsetting and, if not managed, it can keep you from living life fully.
Though there isn’t a cure for lymphedema, it can be managed effectively with Lympha Press.
What causes swelling (Lymphedema)?
The lymphatic system is one of the human body’s drainage systems. The lymph system moves fluids and filters out debris. In fact, when your body is functioning normally, 90% of the water found in your blood is filtered through a healthy lymphatic system.
However, when lymph nodes or lymph vessels are damaged, fluid cannot move at the rate it is produced.
As fluid builds up, the affected area swells dramatically.
This buildup of fluid can cause skin changes such as hardening or “fibrosis“. The trapped fluid is a breeding ground for bacteria that can enter through cuts in the skin, creating an increased risk for infections like cellulitis.
Lymphedema is a progressive disease and can cause additional health problems if left untreated.
Up to 250 million people worldwide are estimated to live with lymphedema and related lymphatic disorders, according to recent global health studies.
There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary.
Primary (hereditary) lymphedema
Primary (hereditary) lymphedema is caused by a congenital abnormality. It is diagnosed when a body’s lymphatic system has broken down over time or did not form correctly in utero. Specific causes of primary lymphedema include:
Milroy’s disease (congenital lymphedema):
This condition begins in infancy and produces improperly formed lymph nodes.
Meige’s disease (lymphedema praecox):
Lymphedema may occur as a result of Meige’s disease during puberty, pregnancy, or up until an individual is 35.
Late-onset lymphedema (lymphedema tarda):
Late-onset lymphedema is atypical and often presents in individuals after age 35.
Secondary (acquired) lymphedema
Secondary (acquired) lymphedema occurs when there is damage to or impairment of the lymphatic system. It is more common than primary lymphedema and can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Chronic venous insufficiency can overload and impair the lymphatic system over time, leading to secondary lymphedema, also known as phlebolymphedema. It is considered the most common cause of lower-extremity secondary lymphedema in Western societies.
CVI is currently missing from the list. (lympha-press.com) The clinical literature identifies venous disease as a major—and in lower-extremity cohorts, the most common—cause of secondary lymphedema in Western societies. (PubMed Central (PMC))
lymphedema symptoms
Lymphedema symptoms can appear gradually and may be subtle in the early stages. Swelling is the most recognizable sign, but changes in sensation, movement or tissue may develop before or alongside visible enlargement of the affected area. Lymphedema most commonly affects an arm or leg, although it can also involve areas such as the chest, abdomen or genitals.
Common signs and symptoms of lymphedema may include:
swelling in part or all of an arm or leg
heaviness, fullness or tightness
changes in limb size or the fit of clothing, shoes or jewelry
pitting swelling, particularly during earlier stages
stiffness or reduced range of motion
thickening or hardening of the skin and underlying tissue
recurrent skin infections
Early symptoms may come and go, while more advanced lymphedema can become persistent and may be accompanied by fibrosis and other tissue changes.
Because not all swelling is lymphedema, new or persistent swelling should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional to determine its cause.
lymphedema compression devices and garments
Lymphedema can affect different parts of the body, so pneumatic compression systems and garments should provide coverage appropriate to the area being treated. Lympha Press® offers compression devices together with multi-chamber garments for upper- and lower-body therapy. The appropriate device, garment and treatment settings should be selected according to individual clinical needs and professional guidance.
I would show only a short selection here, rather than turning the condition page into another product catalogue:
Optimal Plus™
Programmable 12-chamber pneumatic compression system with multiple therapy modes and adjustable treatment parameters.
Mini Press™
Compact 12-chamber sequential pneumatic compression system designed for clinical and home use.
Lympha Jacket™
24-chamber garment providing compression coverage for the arms and upper body, including the chest, shoulders, back and abdomen.
Lympha Pants™
24-chamber lower-body garment designed to provide compression from the feet through the legs, hips and trunk.
LymphaPod®
Lower-body pneumatic compression garment designed for larger patients and more complex body contours.
Though the causes of lymphedema can vary, pneumatic compression therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat this condition because it helps reduce swelling and promote the movement of lymphatic fluid.
Stages of Lymphedema
Lymphedema may progress through different stages, from subtle changes in lymphatic function to persistent swelling and more advanced tissue changes.
- STAGE 0 — No visible swelling
- Lymphatic transport is impaired, but swelling is not yet evident.
- STAGE 1 — Early swelling
- Swelling appears and may decrease with elevation.
- STAGE 2 — Persistent swelling
- Elevation alone usually does not reduce the swelling; tissue changes may develop.
- STAGE 3 — Advanced lymphedema
- Marked swelling is accompanied by more significant skin and tissue changes.
lymphedema treatment
Lymphedema is a chronic condition, so treatment focuses on controlling swelling, supporting lymphatic drainage, protecting the skin and maintaining mobility.
A lymphedema treatment plan may combine compression garments or bandaging, skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and intermittent pneumatic compression therapy. The combination of therapies depends on the cause, location and severity of the swelling, as well as the individual patient's medical needs. (nhs.uk)
Pneumatic compression therapy for lymphedema uses an inflatable multi-chamber garment connected to a compression device. The chambers inflate and release in a controlled sequence to support the movement of lymphatic fluid. Lympha Press® systems can be used in clinical or home settings as part of a clinician-directed lymphedema management program. The site's current compression-therapy page also describes pneumatic compression as one component of broader care rather than a replacement for other management approaches.
Explore the Lympha Press® Optimal Plus and Lympha Press® Mini Press™ pneumatic compression systems.
Learn more about pneumatic compression therapy for lymphedema
What is Fibrosis?
Fibrosis feels like hard, thick tissue. The underlying factor? Insufficient movement of lymphatic fluid.
Lympha Press can help. Our therapy increases lymph fluid uptake and flow in lymphedema-affected limbs, including in patients with fibrotic changes.*
Because Lympha Press has an adjustable range of pressures, your doctor can select a protocol featuring higher pressures necessary to treat fibrotic tissue. By treating fibrosis in the initial stages of development, progression can be slowed and potentially stopped.
Compression remodels fibrotic tissue, makes it softer, and ultimately improves circulation.**
* J lnnov Opt Health Sci. 2017 Mar;10(2). pii: 1650049. doi: 10.1142/ S1793545816500498. Epub 2016 Sep 28. Effect of pneumatic compression therapy on lymph movement in lymphedema-affected extremities, as assessed by near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging. Aldrich MB1, Gross D2, Morrow JR1, Fife CE3, Rasmussen JC1.
** Textbook of Lymphology: for Physicians and Lymphedema Therapists, 3e 3rd Edition, by Michael Foldi (Editor), Ethel Foldi (Editor), Cornelia Striiflenreuther (Editor), Stefan Kubik (Editor).
Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
Overall, of women who will develop lymphedema do so within 3 years of breast cancer treatment.
As part of their surgery, many people with breast cancer have at least two or three lymph nodes removed from under the arm (sentinel lymph node biopsy), and sometimes many more nodes (axillary lymph node dissection). If the cancer has spread, it has most likely moved into the underarm lymph nodes first because they drain fluid from the breast. Many people also need radiation therapy to the chest area and/or underarm. Surgery and radiation can cut off or damage some of the nodes and vessels that fluid moves through. Over time, this can overwhelm the remaining pathways, resulting in a backup of fluid into the body’s tissues. 2
1 .Norman SA, Localio AR, Potashnik SL, et al. Lymphedema in breast cancer survivors: incidence, degree, time course, treatment, and symptoms. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27:390-7.
Learn what medical professionals and patients have to say about using Lympha Press therapy for breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Lympha Press offers effective treatment for patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Because the axilla (underarm) is often compromised after breast cancer surgery, Lympha Press’ patented garments target this important area. This promotes lymphatic flow, moving fluid from the ends of the limb toward the torso.
Tips for Patients with Lymphedema
- Tip #1Follow your prescribed home treatment program! Make Lympha Press therapy a relaxing part of your daily routine.
- Tip #2If you have been prescribed compression stockings or garments, be sure to wear them according to your medical practitioner’s instructions.
- Tip #3Maintain a healthy body weight and follow your medical practitioner’s recommendations on exercises that are helpful at controlling swelling.
- Tip #4Take good care of your skin and recognize signs of infection. Avoid cuts and irritations. Keep your skin clean and use a moisturizer regularly. People with lymphedema are prone to infections (cellulitis). Know the signs and symptoms of infection and notify your medical practitioner if any of these appear.
- Tip #5Avoid wearing tight jewelry or clothing on your affected limb, which could restrict circulation and cause swelling.
- Tip #6If you have upper extremity lymphedema, use a rolling suitcase instead of carrying shoulder bags when travelling.
- Tip #7Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold.
- Tip #8Have regular checkups with your medical professional. Report any changes in your lymphedema (increase or decrease in swelling, changes in sensation, skin color or condition).
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