How to Benefit From the Use of Lymphedema Compression Garments

The effective management of lymphedema is critical to a patient’s long-term health. While the condition is incurable, it is still important to find safe and sustainable ways to keep fluid buildup under control and to minimize the swelling. If you or your loved one is dealing with lymphedema, it is important to invest in doctor-approved efforts to address the swelling properly.

Without proper management, the condition can lead to serious consequences including severe skin infections, loss or reduction of the sense of touch, mobility problems, skin ulcers, and malignant tumor growth in the soft tissue.

An important component of effective lymphedema management is the use of lymphedema compression garments. These garments are available in separate pieces that the patient can wear on the affected part of the body. The pieces can be in the form of gloves, stockings, sleeves, tights and other varieties.

Doctors usually recommend wearing compression garments to combat early symptoms, or if the condition has already progressed, as a part of an integrated treatment plan which usually includes a specific skincare regimen, recommended exercises and manual lymphatic drainage.

Wearing compression garments delivers the following benefits:

• Delivers pressure to the affected areas or limbs in order to limit fluid buildup.
• Directs fluid from the body to the root of the limb, such as the armpits or groin, to encourage efficient drainage.
• Provides support for skin that has sagged or become loose after treatment.
• At the same time, softens tissues that have become fibrous due to the condition.
• When used during exercise, it multiplies the benefits you get from the workouts as the garments offer a form of strength-boosting resistance for your muscles to work against.

To make sure you (or your loved one) are getting the most out of wearing lymphedema compression garments, it pays to keep the following in mind:

• Order pieces that are made according to your medical needs, exact size and for the precise part of the body – the garment should not slide off even with intense movement.
• The fit should provide the right pressure while still being comfortable enough for you to wear for long hours.
• Wearing compression garments that are designed to look good on you also helps as it allows you to wear them even outside the house and most of the day as you go about your daily routine.
• Follow your doctor’s orders on when and for how long you should keep wearing each garment.
• Follow the manufacturer’s wash and care instructions to maintain the condition and performance of each piece for a longer time.
• Choosing and buying compression garments entails precision. It’s important to order from a supplier that offer efficient customer support and 100 percent products and services guarantee to really ensure that you receive the products that are strictly aligned with your needs and requirements.
• If you’re based in Maryland, choose to work only with companies that have accreditation from the Maryland Board of Pharmacy and American Board of Certification (ABC) in Orthotics and Prosthetics.