Lymphedema: Exercise Guidelines

Exercise is a vital part of a Lymphedema Treatment program.  The lymphatic system and circulatory systems are greatly affected by active muscle contraction, which helps assist transport of lymph and blood supplies to tissues and organs.

Exercise only with the limb in a compression garment or wrap.
Include Deep Abdominal Breathing before and after every exercise program.
Do [...]

LYMPHEDEMA RISK-REDUCTION PRACTICES

I. Skin Care – Avoid trauma/injury and reduce infection risk

Keep extremity clean and dry.
Apply moisturizer daily to prevent chapping/chaffing of skin.
Attention to nail care; do not cut cuticles.
Protect exposed skin with sunscreen and insect repellent.
Use care with razors to avoid nicks and skin irritation.
If possible, avoid punctures such as injections [...]

Lymphedema: Links of Interest

Here are some links you may find of interest in relation to Lymphedema…
The National Lymphedema Network http://www.lymphnet.org/ is an organization that provides education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals, and the general public.
The American Cancer Society’s http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Lymphedema_5.asp   page about breast cancer and lymphedema.
LymphNotes.com http://www.lymphnotes.com/index.php is an independent source of objective information about lymphedema.
The [...]

Lymphedema: Medicare Coverage and the Lack There Of

Medicare covers the treatment of Lymphedema under Physical Therapy Services, but the compression bandages, garments and devices required are not covered.  Here is a portion of an article written by Robert “Bob” Weiss, M.S. NLN LE Legislative Advocate, which can be found on the National Lymphedema Network website,   http://www.lymphnet.org/
Medicare Coverage of Compression Garments:    Current [...]

Exercising for Lymphedema Guidelines

The lymphatic system and circulatory systems are greatly affected by active muscle contraction, which helps assist transport of lymph and blood supplies to tissues and organs.
·        Exercise only with the limb in a compression garment or wrap.
·        Include your Deep Abdominal Breathing before and after every exercise program.
·        Do not wear tight restricting clothing (eg.  [...]

Lymphedema: Risks of Not Treating

Some may become overwhelmed by the concept of having to deal with the chronic condition of Lymphedema, especially if they have already gone through so much with cancer treatments.  It is a personal choice to manage, or not to manage, any medical condition.  The risks of not managing Lymphedema include:
·        Continued increasing size of the [...]

Lymphedema: Effects of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a unique situation for a woman’s body.  The hormones released during pregnancy and the expanding uterus can affect the expectant mother’s veins.  Consequently, one in three women experience common vein ailments such as heavy, tired, aching legs or swollen feet and ankles.  Existing varicose veins tend to worsen during pregnancy.
These conditions occur for [...]

Lymphedema: Protein-Rich Lymph Fluid and the Roll of Dietary Protein

Since the fluid associated with lymphedema is protein-rich a question that often arises is, “Should I stop eating protein so there won’t be protein in this fluid?” The answer to this question is, “No! Do not stop eating protein. It won’t solve your problem because proteins are essential nutrients.”
Dietary proteins are present in the foods [...]

Lymphedema: Nutrition and Lymphedema

There is no special diet that will prevent or control lymphedema; however, good nutrition promotes good health and this helps the body manage with the stresses related to lymphedema.  The main recommendations are eat a low sodium diet and keep hydrated.
Eating a Balanced Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables [...]

Lymphedema: Healthy Skin

Maintaining healthy skin is essential for those with lymphedema because intact skin, with no scrapes or cuts, prevents bacteria from entering and causing infection.
 
The swelling of lymphedema stretches the skin and disrupts the skin’s basic protective mechanisms. Also, as lymphedema increases in severity the skin loses its elasticity, becomes thicker and scaly, and is increasingly [...]