To begin with, lymphedema is a common medical condition because it affects about one person in a population of one thousand Americans. It is mostly a concern that affects people of all ages, but is very common among the elderly, people living with arthritis, and the overweight. For this reason, Tamarac lymphedema is treated by a team of podiatrists who provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
What is lymphedema?
It is a serious concern characterized by swelling of the legs and arms. Lymphedema mainly occurs due to the removal of the lymph nodes following cancer treatment. It can also result from lymph node infection or surgery. There is no known cure for this disease, but it’s quite easy to manage and treat in its initial phase, if diagnosed early.
What are the symptoms of lymphedema?
Since lymphedema is a concern that usually affects only one leg or arm, some of its symptoms are: a limited range of motion, swelling of the limb extending to your toes or fingers, thickening or hardening of the skin, feeling of achiness or tightness, and recurrent infection. This condition affects every individual differently because the swelling is rarely noticed and is minor to some. In contrast, others experience severe swelling that makes it difficult to participate in their daily chores, or even move.
Can lymphedema be prevented?
Typically, lymphedema is a condition that cannot be prevented from occurring. However, one can do a few things to lower the risks of suffering from this condition. Therefore, if you are planning to undergo cancer surgery, health care specialists encourage you to rest your leg and arm during the recovery period, ensure you elevate the affected leg or arm, protect your legs or arms from injury, and prevent heating from your affected limb. You are also advised to avoid wearing tight clothing, including compression garments. Similarly, you are also supposed to ensure that the affected limb remains clean. Regular nail and skincare also lower your risk of developing serious complications or infections.
How is lymphedema diagnosed?
When diagnosing lymphedema, the care provider performs reviews of your health history and enquires more about your lifestyle and symptoms. And if you have already undergone cancer surgery, the team has enough information to help develop the diagnosis. But if the specific cause of lymphedema is unknown, the specialist orders a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound. The images taken are detailed pictures of the lymphatic system, which help point out the underlying cause of lymphedema.
How lymphedema is treated
Generally, the treatment of lymphedema depends on the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing, and how they affect your daily life. After a thorough examination, the care team may recommend massage, light exercises that help with lymph fluid drainage, or pneumatic compression. You can also wrap the affected leg or arm by bandaging it, which helps the lymph fluid move towards your toes and fingers. But if you are diagnosed with severe lymphedema, the care provider may recommend surgery. The surgery aims to remove excess tissue from your leg or arm, reducing swelling and promoting your body’s natural healing process.
If you are interested in learning more about the treatment of lymphedema, consult Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists today. Book your appointment online or call their offices today.