Cures for Lymphedema

Lymphedema refers to the swelling that occurs underneath the arms or legs when the lymph fluid fails to adequately drain because of a blockage in the lymphatic system.The causes are myriad, ranging from an inherited disorder (primary lymphedema) to a side effect of surgery, infection, cancer and cancer treatment (secondary lymphedema), and symptoms include swelling of the arms or legs, a hardening or thickening of the skin in the affected area, pain and discomfort, and restricted motion of the affected limb. Unfortunately for those who suffer from lymphedema, there is no cure, though there are a variety of treatments.

Exercise

• A great way to assist the movement of the lymph fluid is through exercises that focus on light movement of the affected limb. They can be performed at home while watching TV or reading the paper, and require little to no effort.

  If unsure on the proper way to perform the exercises, a doctor or physical therapist can instruct you.

Manual Lymph Drainage

• Manual lymph drainage is a massage technique designed to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid out of the affected arm or leg. To perform manual lymph drainage, lightly massage the affected area. The lymph fluid will be carried from the blocked area to healthy lymph nodes where it will have the opportunity to drain.

  Though effective, it is not recommended for those who suffer from skin infections, cancer, blood clots, or congestive heart failure. Additionally, massage therapy should be avoided on areas that have undergone radiation therapy.

Pneumatic Compression/Compression Garments

• Pneumatic compression works by wearing a sleeve over the affected limb attached to a pump that periodically inflates the sleeve. The sleeve then places pressure on the limb, allowing the lymph fluid to drain away from the fingers or toes and thus reduce the swelling.

  A variant of pneumatic compression is garment compression, wherein a specially-fitted article of clothing called a compression garment compresses the arm or leg and forces the lymph fluid out of the affected limb. Even after the swelling has gone down, they can still be used to prevent future occurrences of lymphedema.

Wrapping

• Light wrapping using low-stretch bandages in a spiral direction encourages lymph flow by promoting low resting pressure and high working pressure. It is recommended that a professional teach the patient how to properly wrap the affected limb, as wrapping it too tight can cause constriction and increase the swelling of the limb rather than decrease it. Be aware of numbness, coldness or change in color of the toes or fingers, as those are clear indications the bandages have been wrapped too tight.

Drugs

• Though not proven to be effective, benzopyrones stimulate immune cell activity and help promote the breakdown of proteins in the lymph fluid. Additionally, diuretics help the body excrete excess fluid, though they should not be used long term.