More about lymphedema

Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the arms and legs. __Edema occurs when venous or lymphatic vessels or both are impaired. When the impairment is so great that the lymph fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of protein fluid collects in the tissues of the extremity.__Untreated, this stagnant, protein rich fluid not only causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, but also reduces oxygen through the transport system, interferes with wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in various infections. __A chronic inflammatory condition stemming from this accumulation of fluid eventually results in fibrosis (hardening) of the extremity tissues.___Medicare & Major Insurance Carriers recognize the BioCompression Sequential Circulator Lymphedema Pump as safe and effective for the treatment of lymphedema.
COMPRESSION THERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA, VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY AND WOUND HEALING
Although Lymphedema has always afflicted humankind, little was understood about the disease. Only recently have clinicians begun to seriously focus on it's treatment.The lymphatic system, an offshoot of the circulatory system, develops embryologically. Fluids and protein, lipids, fat soluble vitamins, and immune cells circulate within lymphatic vessels and nodes. If lymphatic drainage is impaired, edema and protein collect in soft tissues providing a natural medium for infection._Lymphedema is the swelling of body parts, most often an extremity, caused by the abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid.Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the arms and legs. Edema occurs when venous and/or lymphatic vessels are impaired. When the impairment is so great that the lymph fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of protein fluid collects in the tissues of the extremity. Untreated, this stagnant, protein-rich fluid not only causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, but also reduces oxygen through the transport system, interferes with wound healing and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in various infections.
15% of all women with breast cancer will develop lymphedema over the course of their lifetime and that lymphedema resulting from prostate cancer is on the rise.
_Lymphedema is a chronic condition and often begins with a swelling in the hands or feet. Early diagnosis and treatment improves both the prognosis and the condition. Left untreated, the limbs become more edematous and the skin hardens, losing its elasticity (fibrosis). Moreover, untreated lymphedema leads to infection and sometimes, irreversible complications.
_Compression must be applied to the limb to reduce the swelling. Surgical compression stockings or sleeves can apply compression. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is performed by specially trained therapists, utilizing a gentle massaging technique in conjunction with a pumping motion. Some treatment centers use a special bandaging technique.

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