Lymphedema Treatment -- Relieving Discomfort, Swelling, & Fluid Retention of the Arms and Legs

Lymphedema is a condition that is associated with tissue swelling and localized fluid retention, caused by the lymphatic system. This condition may be inherited or can be caused by lymphatic vessel injury. It is most often seen after radiation therapy, surgery, and lymph node dissection, where there has been damage to the lymphatic system as a result of cancer, particularly breast cancer. Lymphedema treatment can help you manage this condition, so read on to find out more.

Symptoms of this condition include:

- Discomfort or aching in your leg or arm
- Limited range of motion in your arm or leg
- Experiencing a tightness or heaviness to your leg or arm
- Experiencing swelling of your leg or arm, including your toes and fingers
- Frequent infections of your leg or arm
- Thickening and hardening of your skin on your leg or arm

Many of these symptoms can be improved through proper lymphatic treatments such as a microsurgical transplant procedure known as lymph node transfer and additional therapies at a comprehensive surgical center. If you suffer from lymphedema, the trained therapists, specialists, and innovative technologies at a reputable breast restorative center, can help you get the medical therapies you need to effectively treat your condition.

Vascularized lymph node transfer can be performed at a comprehensive surgical center and can effectively treat your lymphedema of the upper extremity and arm condition. During this procedure, lymph nodes are taken from the groin region with their supporting vein and artery, and then transferred to the armpit area. Your surgeon will use special techniques to reconnect the vein and artery to the axilla's new blood vessels in order to provide the support needed by the lymph nodes as they develop their own blood supply during the first couple of weeks following surgery. The role of the new lymph nodes is to filter excess lymphatic fluid out of the arm and bring it to the natural circulation of the body.

The lymph node transfer procedure is commonly combined with the DIEP flap breast reconstruction procedure. Performing these procedures together allows for the creation of a new breast and the treatment of the arm lymphedema in one surgery. Lymphedema treatment known as lymph node transferred is considered most effective in individuals that have responded well with compression wrapping, which indicates that the majority of the edema is fluid.
If you are interested in lymphedema treatment, call and schedule a consultation to speak with the doctor. You can get an examination to determine if you suffer from the condition known as lymphedema. You can get the treatment you need to relieve the symptoms associated with this debilitation condition.