Lymphoedema Treatment

What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that causes swelling in the body tissue. It can affect any part of the body but usually develops in the arms and legs. It develops when a Lymphatic system doesn't work properly. The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove excess fluid. It's important that Lymphoedema is identified and treated as soon as possible. If it is not treated it can get worse.

Symptoms of Lymphoedema

The main symptoms of Lymphoedema is swellings in all or parts of a limb or another part of the body. It can difficult to fit into clothes and jewelry can feel tight. At first, the swelling may come or go. It may get worse during the day and go overnight. Without treatment, it will usually become more severe and persistent

Symptoms:

Aching
Heaving feeling
Difficult in movement
Hard and tight skin
Woart like gross development on skin
Fluid leaking through the skin

What causes Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is caused by a problem with the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and gland spread throughout the body. The main function of the lymphatic system are fighting infection and draining excess fluid from the tissue.

The are two main types of Lymphoedema

Primary Lymphoedema

Primary Lymphoedema caused by faulty genes that affect the development of the lymphatic system.It can develop at any age that usually starts during infancy or early adulthood.

Secondary Lymphoedema

Secondary Lymphoedema is caused by damage to the lymphatic system of problems with the movement and drainage of the fluid in the lymphatic system. It can be the result of an infection injury, cancer treatment, inflation of the lymph or a lack of lymph movement.