Treating Lymphedema – Compression Sleeve For Swelling Reduction and Pain Management

Lymphedema is a chronic disease that has a tendency to progress.

It is characterized by swelling from the collection of high-protein edema fluid in the affected limbs, which then progresses to fibrosis and reproduction of fatty tissue.

In some cases, the condition might reach the stage of elephantiasis. There is no known cure for it, so treatment is all about minimizing the swelling and managing the pain.

There are several treatment options for lymphedema, which depend on the degree of the fibrosis and on the severity of the edema. People who suffer from lymphedema undergo a daily treatment regimen recommended by their doctor or therapist. This typically includes direct lymphatic massage, exercise, and the use of a lymphedema compression sleeve.

What is a lymphedema compression sleeve?

It is an elastic compression garment worn by a person with lymphedema on the affected limb for the purpose of reducing edema and encouraging the flow of lymph fluid out of that limb be means of compression.

Compression garments may be purchased in standard sizes over-the-counter, but they may also be specially made to be custom-fit. Custom-made garments may be required in some cases. At any rate, they are supposed to be worn 24/7 to maintain edema reduction. They also need to be regularly replaced to ensure that they are always a correct fit.

Proven Effective As Part Of A Treatment Plan

Studies have yet to indicate that compression garments alone can be used for the treatment of edema, but they have definitely been proven to be effective as part of a treatment plan. They are made of flexible fabric. Common material inclusions are wool and latex. The sleeves are tighter at the bottom to create gradient pressure. This design will keep the lymph moving out of the arm. There is a variety of products available and the choices differ in quality, so it’s important for patients to make sure that their lymphedema compression garments are bought from a leading retailer in Maryland.

More Than One?

If you suffer from lymphedema, you might want to consider buying two or more sleeves so that you will always have a replacement in case you need to remove the one you’re wearing. Sleeves are usually good for three to six months before they lose their stretchiness.

What To Avoid

Avoid rubbing moisturizers on your limbs and hands before donning your compression garment. The ingredients may affect the elasticity of the fibers in the sleeve and make the material lose its stretchiness much sooner than expected.

If you have to live with lymphedema, do everything you can to control the pain and delay the condition from progressing. Compression garments are designed to help you accomplish this.

Your next step is…

Find out location that is closest to you here, so that you can schedule an appointment to get your lymphedema compression sleeves.  A certified member of our staff will make sure that you are properly fitted so the sleeve can be as effective as possible.