Lymphedema is a disorder that many people have never heard of until they or someone close to them is suffering from it. Despite the fact that there is no cure for this ailment, compression stockings may be an important part of a patient’s strategy for managing painful swelling.
There is a disorder known as lymphedema in which the lymphatic system is unable to properly drain lymphatic fluid from the limbs and into the circulation, resulting in fluid retention. Problems in the lymphatic fluid-transporting tubes are to blame for this ailment. Patients with elephantiasis may experience anything from minor swelling and “heaviness” in their lower extremities to severe deformity.
Lymphedema Treatment Options: A Variety of Methods
A variety of approaches are used to treat lymphedema, including the following:
Lymphedema patients are often prescribed compression stockings or socks as part of their treatment plan. The lymphedema compression garments may help reduce fluid retention symptoms early on, helping to prevent the issue from worsening. Even in more severe cases, compression stockings may assist keep patients active by preventing fluid from returning to the affected limbs. Patients might also benefit from compression stockings.
Massage: It is possible that massaging the afflicted limbs may aid in the drainage of fluid from the area. The muscles of the patient will be manually compressed in this way by the therapist.
Surgery may be used to reduce the amount of fibrous tissue in the affected area in severe cases of lymphedema in which the limbs are unable to be drained but have also hardened. To ease the symptoms of the illness, this is done. This tactic’s long-term efficacy remains in doubt.
In most circumstances, you’ll be able to wear one piece of clothes while you wash the other one. Use a mild washing liquid or powder and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When drying a piece of clothing, be sure to keep it away from direct heat sources.
Your lymphoedema specialist will need to measure you on a regular basis for the first several months. Compression garments might be prescribed again by your doctor if they are helping to reduce your swelling.
Your primary care physician, a trained nurse, or a physiotherapist should be called if the garment doesn’t fit you well,
The Importance of Compression Stockings for Lymphedema Patients
What is compression therapy all about?
What is meant by “compression therapy” is to wear specially designed and applied compression bandages or garments to minimise edoema and keep it at bay. When it comes to lymphedema treatment, Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is often regarded as the gold standard. There are two phases: Phase I, or decongesting, and Phase II, known as maintaining (Phase II). During both stages, compression is used as a therapy.
Compression treatment: what precisely does it entail?
Compression therapy is used to treat lymphedema, which aims to reduce its symptoms. In order to produce compression, the bandages or garments you’re wearing need to be worn from the outside in.
- The compression is graded, such that the ankle (or wrist) receives the most pressure, with pressure decreasing as it goes up the leg.
- This helps move lymphatic fluid into the centre of your body, where it may be properly expelled. As a result of compression, not only does the fluid drain from the wounded limb, but it also prevents it from ever returning.
- Lymphedema care would be incomplete without the usage of compression stockings. A wide range of compression garments are available, including socks, stockings, and sleeves.
Conclusion
It is possible to reverse lymphedema on its own if it is discovered early and treated with compression gear. It is possible that medical-quality compression socks or stockings may slow the growth of lymphedema in its early stages, at least. Aside from the decongestive therapy, wearing compression stockings every day helps to keep fluid from returning to the limbs after it has been removed.
