What Are the Lymphedema Treatment Options?

Lymphedema treatment is available for many patients suffering from this condition. This condition is one that involves swelling in the area of the arms or the legs, sometimes both. It can affect just one limb, too. This may be due to a blockage occurring in some portion of the lymphatic system. Because of this, it can affect the individual's circulatory system and immune health. When a blockage occurs, fluids cannot drain properly and this leads to a buildup of the material in the body. When swelling occurs, treatments are often necessary to ensure overall health and the avoidance of long-term damage.

What Options Are There?

There are no cures for this condition. However, there are lymphedema treatment options that can work very well for many people. Often times, these treatments revolve around reducing the swelling that is occurring and improving any pain you may be suffering from as a result. The following are some options your doctor may recommend:

- Exercise is one of the most effective options. By simply moving the limb, you reduce the amount of fluid buildup occurring in it. You should not strain or tire yourself out, but rather just make gentle contractions of the muscles in the affected area.

- Another option can include wrapping the affected area. You can use bandages to wrap the affected limb. In doing so, this can make it easy for fluid to flow properly through the body. Keep bandages looser as you move towards the trunk of the body.

- The use of massage can often help as well. Generally, a specific type of massage called manual lymph drainage. This process encourages the flow of fluid out of the affected region. This option is not right for everyone and should be one you seek out from your doctor if the condition occurs.

- Garments with compression features can also help. These specially designed garments have long sleeves or leggings that help to apply compression to the affected area. By doing this, it helps to encourage the proper flow of fluid throughout the body. In some cases, these garments can also work as a way to prevent additional problems from occurring.

Individuals who need to seek out lymphedema treatments should not put off getting help. If your current treatments are not working properly, there may be additional options available. The key is to keep your doctor informed about the treatments you are using and what is or is not working for you. That way, more actions that are aggressive can happen when it calls for it. Many people find these options work very well to reduce pain and to prevent larger problems. They can also work to reduce the risk of developing more severe levels of pain down the road.