If you are affected by lymphedema, you will certainly have noticed how your daily life has changed: physical changes, new challenges, and perhaps even restrictions are suddenly part of your everyday life. You may also have noticed that you don't always receive the understanding and help you would like from those around you. This is often due to the fact that this disease is not yet sufficiently well understood in our society.
Together with you, we have the opportunity to change this. We want to raise awareness of lymphedema by addressing the causes and symptoms and providing practical tips for everyday life. In this way, we aim to help improve your well-being and make your everyday life easier. This is our mission at Flowell!
What is Lymphedema?
Lymph is an essential body fluid whose importance is often underestimated. Every day, around two to three liters of this valuable fluid are produced in the spaces between our cells. The lymph originates from the blood capillaries and is forced out of the blood vessels by increased pressure. Approximately ten percent of this interstitial fluid then flows out as lymph.
In the case of lymphedema, more fluid enters the tissue than can be removed via the lymph channels. This causes the lymph to accumulate and the affected tissue to swell. It is crucial to recognize and treat lymphedema at an early stage to prevent major damage. If you notice the first signs of lymphedema, it is essential to see a doctor immediately to initiate suitable treatment and maintain your quality of life.
What are the Causes of Lymphedema?
Lymphedema can come in two different forms: primary and secondary. The causes of both forms can vary, and here we would like to explain them in an easy-to-understand way.
Primary Lymphedema: Primary lymphedema is caused by congenital problems in the lymphatic system, such as insufficient lymph vessels, missing lymph nodes, or unusually shaped lymph vessels. These issues can be hereditary or due to random genetic changes leading to incomplete development of the lymphatic system. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.
Secondary Lymphedema: Most lymphedema cases, around 95 percent, are secondary lymphedema. They develop due to damage to the lymphatic system, often from medical interventions like surgery or radiotherapy during cancer treatment. A tumor itself can also trigger secondary lymphedema.
During surgery to remove a tumor, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed, impairing lymph flow and causing secondary lymphedema. Radiation during cancer treatment can damage lymph nodes and vessels, as can major surgery following a serious accident. In some cases, secondary lymphedema can develop without surgery or radiotherapy if a cancerous tumor compresses or destroys existing lymph channels, known as malignant lymphedema.
Symptoms of Lymphedema
Lymphedema can present in different ways and affect various parts of the body. Primary lymphedema often affects both legs, while secondary lymphedema is usually localized to one side, depending on the underlying disease or injury.
Signs of Lymphedema
- Swelling: Swelling in the affected areas of the body, which can initially improve with leg elevation. Pressing on the swollen areas may leave a dent.
- Heaviness and Discomfort: A feeling of heaviness, tension, or pressure in the legs, becoming tired more quickly, and noticing changes in skin moisture and an increased tendency to bruise.
- Pain: Pain or discomfort, especially when moving or walking. The pain can sometimes spread to the feet.
- Skin Changes: Hardened and taut skin, deepening skin folds or furrows, wart-like growths, skin discoloration, and possible lymphorrhea (fluid leakage).
- Restricted Mobility: Reduced freedom of movement in the affected body part.
Diagnostic Procedure
When diagnosing lymphedema, your doctor will consider your medical history and any previous surgeries. They will examine the affected area for typical swelling and skin changes. By palpating the edema, the doctor can determine whether the tissue has hardened.
The Stemmer's sign test involves trying to lift the skin on the top of your fingers or toes to see if wrinkles form. A nuclear medicine examination, such as lymphoscintigraphy, can visualize lymphatic drainage and identify obstructions. Depending on the suspected cause, further examinations like MRI with contrast medium or genetic testing may be necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to slowing the progression of lymphedema and avoiding complications.
Treatment
While the pathological swelling of lymphedema cannot always be completely cured, proper treatment can significantly reduce it. A combination of compression therapy, lymphatic drainage, exercise training, and skin care is recommended. A balanced diet and sufficient exercise can also be helpful. The treatment of lymphedema can be time-consuming, but the patient's cooperation is crucial to avoid complications like inflammation.
Lymphatic Drainage: A special massage technique performed by trained physiotherapists to improve lymph flow and reduce fluid accumulation. Flowell’s gliding wave massage devices can significantly enhance this process by using pressure waves to promote blood circulation and lymph flow, reducing swelling, alleviating pain, and removing accumulated fluid from the tissue.
Exercise Training: Targeted exercises support the muscles, acting like a pump to help lymph vessels remove tissue fluid. Suitable activities include swimming, cycling, walking, yoga, and stretching exercises. Avoid sports involving jerky movements like tennis, soccer, rowing, mountaineering, and skiing.
Skin Care: Proper skin care keeps the affected areas supple and nourished, reducing the risk of infections and complications.
Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber can help manage lymphedema. Reduce salt intake to minimize water retention and drink plenty of water. Foods such as whole grains, lean meats, fish, pulses, nuts, vegetables, and fruits are beneficial, while processed foods high in salt and sugar should be avoided.
Everyday Tips for Those Affected
For people with lymphedema, there are several tips for self-care and managing daily life:
- Orthopedic Insoles: Provide support for flat or splayed feet.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can exacerbate lymphedema symptoms, so a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended.
- Avoid Heat Exposure: Avoid saunas, sunbathing, solariums, infrared radiation, and hot baths.
- Consult a Specialist: If planning a pregnancy, consult a vascular specialist.
- Protect from Cold: Avoid frost damage by protecting yourself from the cold.
- Avoid Certain Positions: Avoid prolonged bending or crossing of the legs.
- Gentle Massages: Avoid kneading massages of the leg.
- Limit Medical Interventions: Avoid injections, blood and tissue removal, acupuncture, and strenuous physiotherapy on the affected leg unless necessary.
- Elevate the Leg: Elevate the affected leg at night for comfort.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable underwear and avoid constricting briefs or tight belts.
- Footwear: Gradually get used to new shoes and avoid tight or high-heeled shoes. Avoid walking barefoot outside the home.
What´s Left To Say?
It is important to be well-informed about lymphedema and know how to manage everyday life with this condition. Personal responsibility and suitable aids can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and suitable wellness treatments, such as Flowell’s gliding wave massage, are crucial for alleviating symptoms.
If you need more information or professional help, specialists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists are available. Seek advice from experts to find the best measures for your individual situation. Together, we can improve the quality of life for people with lymphedema and support them in their everyday lives.
