Stage 1 lymphedema Specialists consider this early-stage lymphedema to be reversible. If your arm is swollen, it can go back to normal when you elevate it.
Stage 2 (irreversible lymphedema): Fibrosis — the deposition of loose, disorganized collagen tissue — has occurred. Without intervention, no matter how long the patient elevates or compresses the affected body part, it will not return to baseline contour and volume.
Stage 1: Reversible Lymphedema
When the patient reaches Stage 1, their symptoms have become more noticeable but are still likely reversible with proper intervention. If they use compression therapy, their arm or leg should return to its normal size after each treatment.
Prevention and controlling lymphedema play an important role with this condition since there is no cure.
There's no cure for lymphedema. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling and preventing complications.
Stage 1 is early edema, which improves with limb elevation. Stage 2 represents pitting edema that does not resolve with elevation. Stage 3 describes fibroadipose deposition and skin changes.
Stage 3: Severe stage
In stage 3, there is extensive swelling present. The tissue is fibrotic (hard) and pitting is no more possible. Skin changes, such as thickening, hyperpigmentation (change of color), increased skin folds, fat deposits, and wart-like growths, can develop.
Exercise can lessen the pain and swelling from lymphedema. And exercise can sometimes even put lymphedema into remission.
avoiding very hot baths and showers – the heat from saunas, steam rooms and sun beds may increase the swelling. using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to prevent sunburn. wearing gloves for gardening and household tasks to avoid cuts if your upper limbs are affected.
Lymphoedema may not prevent you from continuing with your usual lifestyle and activities. However, you may need to modify some aspect of your life if these involve a lot of activity, or inactivity, of a swollen limb. Try to continue with your life as normally as possible but listen to your body.
Lymphedema symptoms may be mild, causing minor swelling and discomfort. Sometimes, however, lymphedema may cause significant swelling that can be painful and cause skin issues such as infections and wounds.
A mild type of lymphedema can occur within a few days after surgery and usually lasts a short time. Lymphedema can also occur about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery or radiation and then go away over time. The most common type of lymphedema is painless and may slowly develop 18 to 24 months or more after surgery.
Lymphedema can't be cured, but you can control the swelling and keep it from getting worse. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight may make it better, but "water pills" usually won't. Specialized lymphedema therapists can also help you manage the condition.
Some foods can exacerbate lymphedema symptoms because of the way they are processed and the additives or high salt content they contain. These foods include added sugars — specifically fructose — refined grains, chemically modified fats and most animal and dairy products.
Chronic oedema (CO) and lymphoedema (LO) are long-term conditions that can become more complicated or are more likely to develop with age.
Lymphedema is a progressive disease, and early diagnosis and treatment are paramount. Therefore, it is critical to diagnose and treat both mild and early onset cases to halt the progression of this lifelong and often debilitating condition.
Do not wear tight clothing, bands, shoes, or jewelry on the affected area. Wear a compression sleeve or stocking, if ordered by your doctor. Compression sleeves for lymphedema need to fit correctly. An ill-fitting compression sleeve may make lymphedema worse.
Sometimes, an injury or infection can lead to lymphedema or a lymphedema flare-up — especially if you have fewer lymph nodes as a result of breast cancer surgery. When we injure ourselves or get an infection, the body's tissues can get inflamed.
Other trauma to the lymphatic system, such as crushing injuries or burns, can disrupt drainage when lymphatic vessels or nodes are damaged. Scar tissue can create a barrier that prevents proper drainage. The swelling of lymphedema can develop quickly or progress over several months.
Obesity and lymphoedema are very much interlinked. If you are overweight, losing some weight will be beneficial for preventing and reducing all forms of lymphoedema. A significant gain in weight will make existing lymphoedema worse and any care more difficult.
Physical activity encourages fluid to drain into the lymphatic system in the abdomen. Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates and Tai chi all might help to encourage the lymph to move. Pelvic floor exercises may also help.
Its main symptom is swelling of the arms or legs, but if left untreated, lymphedema can lead to severe discomfort and life-threatening infections. The swelling associated with the disease is caused by a failure of the lymphatic system, a lesser known part of the body's circulatory system.
Lymphedema praecox: This is the most common type of primary lymphedema, accounting for 80% of people who have lymphedema. It generally develops in females between ages 9 and 25. Lymphedema tarda: This hereditary lymphedema occurs in adulthood, typically after age 35.
Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard for treating lymphedema and consists of a decongestion phase, followed by a maintenance phase. There are several parts to both phases, and all are essential to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Compression bandages or garments, such as sleeves, gloves, stockings or tights, fitted over affected limbs act as a counterforce to muscles. This stimulates more effective lymph drainage. The combination of exercise and compression encourages the fluid to move out of the affected limb.