heart and blood vessel disorders
Lymphedema
Treatment of Lymphedema
Relieving fluid build-up Sometimes, surgery Lymphedema has no cure. Treatment of lymphedema typically involves measures to relieve the lymph fluid build-up in a limb. These may include Manual lymphatic drainage Limb exercises Compression bandages or stocking Limb massage with intermittent pneumatic compression stockings or sleeves For people with mild lymphedema, manual lymphatic drainage where the limb is elevated and manually massaged to drain fluid out of the affected limb can be helpful. Special limb exercises and compression stockings applied to the legs or sleeves applied to the arms can also reduce the swelling. People who are more severely affected may wear Prevention every day for several hours, depending on the extent of symptoms, to reduce the swelling. Once the swelling has been reduced, the person must wear graduated elastic stockings up to the knee or thigh every day from the moment of rising until bedtime. These stockings apply pressure at the ankle and less pressure farther up the leg. This measure controls the swelling to some degree. For lymphedema in the arm, pneumatic sleeves—like pneumatic stockings—can be used every day to reduce the swelling. Elastic sleeves are also available. Primary and secondary lymphedema are sometimes treated with surgery to remove the swollen tissues under the skin and to form new lymphatic drainage channels. People who have lymphedema may be able to prevent worsening symptoms by avoiding heat, vigorous exercise, and tight garments on the affected arm or leg. Skin and nail care require meticulous attention to avoid infection. Doctors try to avoid doing medical procedures, such as vaccination, drawing blood, and inserting intravenous devices, in the affected arm. 