Lymphedema
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema
Lymphedema (lim-fa-dee-ma): a lifelong health condition caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the tissues, leading to swelling (edema), pain, discomfort, and the risk of infection.
Some people are born with lymphedema due to a defect in the lymphatic system. Other people develop lymphedema as a result of damage to their lymphatic system, for example, trauma, injury, a burn, or, most commonly, as a result of treatment for some cancers.
There is no cure for lymphedema at this time. It is a lifelong condition. When diagnosed and treated early, you can manage it. You can also prevent it from leading to more serious health problems.
Knowledge is the key to lymphedema prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment to manage the condition. It helps to lessen our fears and move us to action.
Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of, or damage to, your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatments. It results from a blockage in your lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and the fluid buildup leads to swelling.
What is the Lymphatic System?
Our bodies have a network of lymph nodes and lymph vessels. This system collects and carries a watery, clear lymph fluid, much like how veins collect blood from distant parts of the body and carry it back to the heart. This fluid consists of proteins, salts, and water, as well as white blood cells, which help fight infection.
Lymphedema Assessment
Getting lymphedema diagnosed and assessed can lead to effective therapy and the advice you need to manage your lymphedema.
The gold standard of lymphedema management includes combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) given by a certified lymphedema therapist. We can help you find a certified lymphedema therapist. They may be a physiotherapist, occupational therapists, nurses, doctor, or registered massage therapists. To be certified as a lymphedema therapist they must have at least 135 hours of post-graduate training to treat lymphedema.
The therapist will assess your lymphedema and then decide on your treatment program.
Lymphedema Treatment
With early detection, diagnosis, and the right treatment you can manage lymphedema and prevent it from getting worse. Early treatment leads to the best health outcomes.
Lymphedema Therapy includes:
Manual Lymph Drainage: a special form of massage that re-directs lymph flow.
Compression therapy: the use of compression garments (e.g. elastic bandaging, sleeves, gauntlets or tights) to control swelling.
Education: to learn about how best to manage lymphedema.
Exercises: to promote lymphatic flow.
Skincare: to prevent infection.
The goal of therapy is to reduce swelling, manage the lymphedema and reduce your risk of it getting worse and leading to other health problems. Your certified lymphedema therapist will guide you through the treatment program and show you how to control your lymphedema with self-care.
Lymphedema Diagnosis
If you think you have early signs of lymphedema, the first step is to visit your family doctor, healthcare team, or a certified lymphedema therapist. Sadly, some people who suspect they may have lymphedema are told that nothing can be done to help them. That’s just plain wrong. The Lymphedema Association of Ontario.