lymphoedema
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Lymphoedema is a protein-rich fluid that can arise if there is damage to the lymph nodes or vessels. The abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid results in the swelling of a body part (usually an extremity and most often the arms and legs, though it can occur anywhere in the body).
Lymphoedema is different from normal swelling (oedema) in that in most cases it has been present for three months or longer, and elevation is no longer effective in reducing the swelling.
Surgery and/or radiation therapy, infections, recurrent tumours, trauma to the remaining lymphatics, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can cause lymphoedema.
Untreated lymphoedema can have serious and far-reaching consequences: uncontrolled swelling that worsens with time, restricted motion in an affected limb, repeated infections causing further harm to the lymphatics, thickening of the skin, the leaking of lymph through the skin (lymphorrea), development of ulcers and constant medical treatment and expense.
If effective treatment is sought, however, much can be done to prevent lymphoedema, or – where its onset is unavoidable – to limit the amount of damage that it can cause. Damage from lymphoedema can be both physical and psychological: a lack of sympathy from local medical staff or a patient’s own decision not to seek help for their lymphoedema may, for example, result in social isolation.
Lymphoedema is a fairly common condition (research has shown that in the United States for instance, roughly one per cent of the population is affected), and Helen Bell can help clients obtain a correct and definitive diagnosis.
Please note:
Some physicians still prescribe diuretics for protein-rich oedema but these are not effective (although there may also be some other condition present in the body that requires their legitimate use). Elevation and compression devices are often ineffective and have short-lived benefits when used alone. Unfortunately there is no magic elixir, herbal remedy, prescribed pill or operation that can successfully reduce a limb with lymphoedema to a normal size. At present, only manual lymphatic drainage within combined decongestive therapy can achieve that.