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Lymphedema is an unusual accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissues of the arms or legs of a patient due to a malfunction of, or injury to, the
lymphatic system. By the time the swelling becomes apparent, there is already a significant accumulation of fluid in the extremity. Normally
the condition is chronic, requiring ongoing therapy.
Unfortunately, the typical treatment of elevation, diuretics, and compression hose or an elastic arm sleeve or leg stocking rarely provides significant relief for the patient. Patients are often told that they must simply "learn to live with" the condition. Lymphedema may be either inherited or due to other causes. Hereditary lymphedema can be present from birth (Milroy's Disease) or can start in the late teens (Lymphedema Praecox). Lymphedema can result from different surgeries, including surgery for cancer or lymph node removal or can be caused by radiation therapy, traumatic injury, or repeated infections. Lymphedema also develops in older patients (Lymphedema Tarda) as a result of a gradual deterioration of the lymph system resulting from either the aging process or a congenital defect. The lymphatic system is the "sewer system" of the body's vascular system and causes serious problems when it backs up. Blood travels into the limbs through the arteries and comes back to the heart through the veins, leaving a small amount of clear fluid (lymph fluid) in the extremity to bathe the tissues. This lymph fluid picks up any foreign material, including bacteria, and brings it back through the lymphatic channels towards the heart. Every few inches it passes through lymph nodes which strain out bacteria and other unwanted material. Thus, the lymphatic system is one of the body's critical defense mechanisms against infection. With lymphedema, the lymphatic system is damaged, making it difficult for the lymphatic fluid to come back through the channels. The bacteria-laden fluid collects in the extremity causing progressive swelling and pain due to stretching and breakdown of the skin. In addition, the protein in the fluid precipitates out into the tissue causing scarring. This can lead to progressive infection problems in the extremity. It is important to actively reduce the swelling by encouraging the normal flow of lymphatic fluid through the remaining lymphatic channels. It is not adequate to simply maintain the state of the limb by the use of a compression sleeve. Effective therapies should stimulate the movement of the lymph fluid back up through the remaining lymphatic channels and lymph nodes, straining out bacteria and foreign particles, and increasing the resistance of the extremity to infection. When the limb is no longer swollen, pain decreases, mobility and functionality increase, skin condition improves, and the chance of infection is reduced. Early treatment is very important. With early treatment, results are more easily achieved. Also, more serious problems (such as permanent scarring/hardening of the tissues and infections) can be avoided. To be effective, treatment must be done on a regular basis. Reduction may be maintained between treatments by the use of a compression sleeve or stocking. -From the Healthtronix website.
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