Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes your lymphatic system to have an impaired flow. Lymphedema, otherwise known as lymphatic obstruction, causes your lymph fluids to build up in your tissues and cause them to swell. The lymphatic system is key to your immune system, and uses fluids called lymph and circulates it throughout your body. When there is an obstruction, blockage, or damage to your lymph system, this circulation can be interrupted and lead to lymphedema. It typically affects the legs or arms, and sometimes can affect both. While there is no known cure for lymphedema, it can be managed with the proper therapies and treatments. To learn more about lymphedema treatments, and things you can do for lymphedema therapy at home, reach out to us at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions and see how we can help you!
Causes of Lymphedema
Lymphedema is caused by obstructions or damage to your lymphatic system. The most common reasons for primary lymphedema is a genetic mutation. Secondary lymphedema is generally caused by other conditions such as infections, inflammatory diseases, and cancer treatments. Some causes of lymphedema include:
- Primary lymphedema- Congenital lymphedema, which is present at birth. Lymphedema praecox, which causes symptoms to appear in puberty. Meige disease or lymphedema tarda, which causes lymphedema after the age of 35.
- Secondary Lymphedema- breast cancer treatments may cause lymphedema. Other causes include damage to your lymph from surgical procedures or trauma, radiation damage, or infections. The most common cause worldwide is filariasis.
Lymphedema Symptoms
The lymphatic system has three main functions. These functions include draining lymph and excess fluid in your body, fights off infections and absorbs fat. Disruption to this system can cause fluid build-ups and increase your risk of infections and other complications. Other symptoms include:
- Swelling in extremities
- Swelling in head, neck, or groin
- Heavy or tight feeling in limbs, or loss in the range of motion
- Tingling sensation or discomfort in affected areas
- Infections, warts, blisters, or thickening of the skin
- Severe fatigue
Lymphedema Therapy at Home With Home Advantage Rehab
These are just some of the symptoms related to lymphedema. If you are suffering from lymphedema and are looking for lymphedema therapies at home, contact us at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions and see how we can help you.
Lymphedema Treatments
There is no known cure for lymphedema. Instead, treatments revolve around controlling and managing the symptoms and complications created by lymphedema. Treatments include:
- Exercise: lightly exercising the affected area can improve and promote the flow of fluids. This can help manage the swelling and pain in the area.
- Body wrapping: proper wrapping of the affected area can promote the flow of lymph fluid back out of the limb and reduce swelling and other symptoms.
- Massage therapy: massage therapy known as manual lymph drainage encourages the flow of lymph throughout your body. While this treatment can help you, you may want to avoid this treatment if you have a skin infection or other skin complications present.
- Complete decongestive therapy: this treatment involves many different kinds of therapies mixed with lifestyle changes that can promote many different ways of managing lymphedema.
Lymphedema Therapy at Home
These are just some of the treatments you can use to manage your lymphedema. To learn more about what you can do to manage your lymphedema, and lymphedema therapy at home, contact us at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions and see what we have to offer.