Living with lymphedema is not easy. The disease of the lymphatic system becomes a constant companion in your life. However, there are a number of ways you can make your life easier and positively improve your well-being. You can do this not only with therapy. There are a number of additional things you can do yourself if you have lymphedema.
Lymphedema: Disorder of the lymphatic system
In lymphedema, the functioning of the lymphatic system is disturbed. Similar to our blood circulation, the lymphatic system runs through our entire body. This system takes care of the fluid balance in our body and removes harmful substances such as fats, proteins, but also viruses and bacteria. If this system is disturbed, water retention can occur. These occur when less fluid can be removed than has accumulated. Lymphedema can never be completely cured. Therefore, it is very important that lymphedema is detected early so that the swellings do not spread.
How do I know if I have lymphedema?
In most cases, lymphedema occurs in the legs and arms. In the early stages, it is very difficult to detect. Appearing swellings are not directly specific for lymphedema. Only in an advanced stage is lymphedema clearly visible. A typical sign is then the one-sided swelling of the leg or arm. If you feel that your legs look thick and puffy, you can do a pressure test in this area. In an early stage, you can press a dent in the area with your thumb and it will go away shortly after. In a later stage, this area may be very hard and forming a dent by pressing with your thumb is no longer possible.
Another sign is a positive "Stemmer's sign" test. If you believe you are suffering from lymphedema, you should always see a doctor or specialist. These include lymphologists and phlebologists. You can search for specialists in your area on the website of the German Society for Lymphology.
The treatment of lymphedema
Lymphedema must always be treated professionally. Treatment includes, above all, regular manual lymphatic drainage. However, you can also do a few things yourself to alleviate your symptoms.
Change your diet
Patients who suffer from overweight in addition to lymphedema are advised to change their diet to reduce their weight. But even without being overweight, a healthy diet is beneficial! Plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grain products have a positive effect on your well-being.
Pay special attention to your skin care
Your skin tends to dry out more in the area of lymphedema. This effect is intensified by the compression materials, which draw fat and moisture from the skin. Therefore, apply a mild, unscented cream to your skin twice a day. Creams that contain skin-related fats have proven particularly effective. These include carrot and almond oil as well as aloe vera extract. It is also important that the creams contain moisturizing factors (3-10% urea), as this keeps the skin supple. Baths with moisturizing ingredients, such as Balneum's bath oil, are also a wonderful remedy for dry skin.
Sports and exercise with lymphedema
Exercise stimulates the flow of lymph. When you exercise, your muscles are alternately tightened and loosened. This process provides pressure on your lymphatic vessels, stimulating lymph flow. Another side effect of exercise is a reduction in body fat. Many patients with lymphedema find joint-sparing sports particularly enjoyable. These include swimming, yoga, fascia training and walking, as well as cycling. If you do exercise, wearing compression stockings has an additional positive effect on lymph flow. Your sports and exercise program should always be discussed with your therapist to avoid possible negative effects or injuries.
Self-massage to support lymphatic drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage, also called decongestive therapy, involves stimulating the lymphatic vessels through special hand movements and massage by a therapist. This stimulates the removal of lymphatic fluid. In addition to treatment by a specially trained physiotherapist, you can also treat yourself with appropriate hand movements. Certain breathing exercises and gymnastics also serve to support lymph drainage.
Lymphatic drainage device for home use
The use of a lymphatic drainage device complements manual lymphatic drainage in a positive way. The devices do not perform lymphatic drainage in the classical sense, but provide intermittent compression. In this process, special cuffs are placed around the area of the body to be treated. These are then rhythmically (intermittently) filled with air and emptied again. This process stimulates the lymphatic drainage, which makes you feel better. You can use these devices in the comfort of your own home while lying on your bed or couch.
What you should avoid
In addition to the things that are positive for your life with lymphedema, there are also a few things that are better to avoid:
- Overexertion: This includes standing or sitting in one position for too long, or not taking breaks while working. Here it can already help if you put your legs up for a few minutes.
- Heat: Too much heat stimulates the formation of lymph fluid. Sunburns and too warm baths are to be avoided. Even a sauna session can have unfavorable effects.
- Constricting clothing: Clothing that is too tight constricts the lymph vessels and impedes the drainage of lymph fluid. Shoes that are too tight can easily cause pressure points and injuries.
- Injuries: Even the smallest injuries can lead to destruction of lymphatic vessels or bruising and are a breeding ground for bacteria. Should you ever injure yourself, it is important that you disinfect the area immediately. In the case of lymphedema, even a minor injury can lead to erysipelas. It is advisable to always have a high-percentage disinfectant with you.
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Author: Physiotherapist Marvin Seidel
Source and image source: Clubsante, # 267911424 Robert Kneschke / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 12 July 2022