Lymphedema
Lymphedema is defined as a swelling due to the build-up of lymph fluid in the body. The lymph system is part of the circulatory system and the immune system. Lymph fluid is part of the lymph system which is a fluid that carries away fluids and cells that help the body’s defenses fighting infections through the body. The onset of lymphedema may take months to manifest and sometimes there is a rapid onset. The lymph system is simply responsible for removing waste products and toxins.
The lymph system acts as a drain in your sink. If the drain is clogged, the fluid cannot drain. Lymphedema usually occurs in the upper and lower extremities, but can occur in other regions of the body as well. It is usually the result of treatment for cancer or surgery for cancer.
Signs and symptoms of lymphedema can include: swelling of the body such as breast, chest, shoulders, arms and the legs, but can affect other parts of the body such as the head and neck. Fingers and toes may be affected.
First, the skin may be come tight or harden due to the swelling . The tone and pallor (color) of the skin may change. Pain may develop with these changes in the skin, fibrosis which is a thickening and hardening of the skin. Pain such as achy and soreness may develop and well as tingling, stinging and numbness in the region of the edema.
Changes can be best described watching an air intertube being over inflated. The surface of the intertube becomes tight and rigid, inflexible and distorted. It is the swelling that is the main symptom of lymphedema. It can cause problems with movement, the fitting of clothing and jewelry. It may be intermittent becoming worse during the day and decreasing as the day ends or vise versa. A decreased range of motion of the limb may be encountered.
Often times a tumor may be large enough to block the channels manage the flow of lymph yielding a blockage. Surgery may damage the channels or vessels that conduct lymph. Radiation therapy may be another culprit. These patients have a higher risk of long term lymphedema.
Please understand there is no cure lymphedema. Treatment should be considered that focuses on reducing the swelling and preventing complications. Complications can lead to severe discomfort and even life threatening infections. The patient may notice a swelling of the region that looks and fells puffy. If you press on the skin and it leaves a pitting in the skin, there is edema. Lymphedema is usually unilateral or one sided.
Complications of lymphedema include skin infections or cellulites. This is fluids that becomes trapped and where even the smallest of injury can cause complications. Sepsis is a complication of lymphedema that has been ignored and not treated. Sepsis is the body’s extreme defensive response to an infection. According to the CDC 1.7 million adults Americans develop sepsis per year. Of that 1.7 million, on average 350,000 who develop sepsis die during their hospitalization.
Lymph fluids can leakage or discharge thru the skin. Skin ulcers accompanied by chronic wounds may develop and lead to further complications. If left untreated, lymphedema can in rare occasions develop into a soft tissue cancer of the lymphatic system called lymphangiosarcoma.
Foods with added sugars and refined grains, chemically modified fats and dairy by products may increase the edema.
Self treatments include exercise, hot and cold showers, water, lots of water, and avoidance of tight fitting clothing. There is some special techniques of massage preformed by massage therapist can facilitate drainage of the clogged lymph system. Then, there is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) which has demonstrated being capable of reducing the inflammation and swelling associated with lymphedema. The use of HBOT and Low Level laser therapy (LLLT) can significantly decrease swelling and discomfort.
Our office has had great success using HBOT and LLT for the reduction of lymphedema. If you or someone you know are suffering from the affects of Lymphedema pass along to them this website or have them call Dr. Skaggs, DC at 417-624-4242 today for relief.
