There is no cure for lymphedema. All the treatments available today just prevent the condition from getting worse. In some cases of secondary lymphedema, the condition causing the problem can be treated. In such cases, there may be a mild resolution of the lymphedema. The problem with lymphedema is that all the fluid is mixed in the tissues and hard to get out. It is like getting all the water out of piece of Jell-O.
Treatment focuses on minimizing the swelling and controlling the pain. Treating lymphedema is very difficult as many individuals search for the illusive cure and get frustrated with whatever is available in medicine today. For the best results, conservative care is not only safe but will preserve you arm and leg. The following measures may help you control the symptoms, complications and reduce the swelling.
The treatments recommended to prevent the condition from worsening include:
Clean: keep the extremity clean. Apply a moisturizing ointment to prevent dryness. Do not shave the extremity
Avoid all
trauma to the extremity since any skin breakdown will get infected
Wear
protective shoes at all time
Water pills: There is no room for water pills in the management of lymphedema. The condition
has no response to water pills
Antibiotics: Because individuals with lymphedema are very prone to infections, antibiotics are frequently prescribed for the treatment of infection
Exercise: Exercise of the extremity is important because muscle movement squeezes the fluid out of the tissues and reduces the swelling. The exercise should be of mild to moderate
intensity and gradual. The swelling in the extremity is not seen overnight but can take months and even years.
Extremity wrapping: There are numerous types of compression bandages which can be applied either on the leg or the arm. These compression bandages act by squeezing the muscles and gradually pushing the fluid out of the tissues. When applied daily these bandages can help reduce the swelling. Initially, it is hard to get used to these bandages and it takes a lot of patience and time to get used to the daily wrapping of the extremities. With time there is a gradual reduction in swelling.
Massage: Today massage therapy is used to treat lymphedema. Gentle regular massages do help a few individuals relieve the swelling. The massage stimulates lymph flow upwards from where it can be drained. Massage should not be done when there is a skin infection laceration or any skin trauma, blood clots or heart failure. Massage therapy is an expensive undertaking and not everyone responds to it
Pneumatic compression: Today, we have pumps available which can squeeze the lymphatic fluid out of the tissues. These sequential pumps have blood pressure cuffs which are applied on the calf and thigh. The calf is squeezed by the cuff followed sequentially by the thigh cuff. These pneumatic compressions can be used daily at night and are very effective for reducing swelling in the leg. In the morning, compression stockings can be worn. Portable sequential devices are available for home use.
Compression garments. Compression garments include long sleeves or stockings can help encourage the flow of the lymph fluid out of your affected limb. These garments have to worn daily to be effective. These garments are the best therapy for the treatment of lymphedema. There is no other substitute. If one can afford it, custom made garments made of softer fabric are more comfortable for daily wear.
Surgery: Surgery is not used to treat lymphedema. The resulting scars almost never heal and the deformity can even be worse. If a physician recommends surgery for your condition, please seek a second opinion
You can also join support groups that provide practical advice as well as social and emotional support.
You must wear a medical bracelet to notify medical about your condition
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