What is the Lymph System?
The lymph system is a whole series of very delicate and small vessels and nodes which are found in areas all over the body. They move the protein out from under the skin. If it doesn't move well or your lymph system is disrupted, the proteins can stay in the skin and cause fluid to stay there as well. Lymph nodes help you to fight infection in the body as well as to help you to resolve substances that do not belong in the body.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a collection of fluid in areas that results in swelling which is constant and may also be painful. It can happen anywhere in your body, the legs, the arms or other areas. It can develop as a result of cancer treatments, it may also come from poor veins or surgery as well as a damaged lymph system. Any of these things can result in lymphedema and a lot of swelling in your body. Lymphedema management can take many forms, but will quite likely include some mechanical methods of moving the lymph fluid around the body.
Lymphedema pumps are quite frequently used to help promote lymphatic and venous flow which can relieve symptoms. Other methods such as physical therapy are often used to help control your lymphedema.
What Do I Need to Know?
In most cases, you will require medical treatment for your lymphedema. While your doctor or health care provider will help you to manage the symptoms and to lower the swelling using many different methods, you are a partner in your own healthcare. There are some protective measures that you can and should be taking so far as lymphedema management as well as your medical treatment. If you have lymphedema, these measures include:
* Pay close attention for any sign of infection in your affected areas. If you have pain in the areas which are affected you should contact your health care provider.
* Be very careful to not wear tight clothing or jewelry in the areas which are affected by lymphedema. This will further constrict your circulation and may increase or exacerbate the swelling and prevent the fluid from moving even more.
* Practice very good health care and skin care. If you have cracks in the skin, treat them carefully. Bath frequently and always apply lotion to your affected areas every day. This keeps the stretched skin from breaking down and allowing infection to take place.
* If your lymphedema is in the legs and feet, have your nails trimmed by a podiatrist rather than trying to do them yourself. Stay alert for any skin breakdown in the affected areas.
* Never allow a medical procedure such as taking blood or blood pressure readings in the affected areas to prevent any chance of injury.
Your doctor will help you with your lymphedema management and will quite likely ask that you use a lymphedema pump to help to reduce the swelling, but you should be watching your own condition as well and taking good care of your affected skin areas.
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David Fred is CEO of LymphedemaPumpsDirect.com
Lymphedema can be treated, managed, and controlled. Although Lymphedema has afflicted the population for centuries, little was understood about the disease. Only in the past ten to fifteen years have clinicians begun to seriously focus on its treatment. Our Lymphedema Compression pump is designed by implementing the latest research and technology and can DRAMATICALLY improve the quality of your Life!
