What is Lymphoedema and how to effectively treat it
Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that is incurable, and often debilitating condition that can affect the sufferer both mentally and physically altering their quality of life. However, there is hope as it can be managed with the assistance of a knowledgeable therapist and supportive primary care team.
Lymphoedema often occurs from a damaged or deranged lymphatic system, resulting in an accumulation of excessive amounts of protein-rich fluid in a limb(s). Such swelling can place intense pressure on surrounding tissue as this stagnated proteinaceous fluid can decrease the amount of oxygen available to cells which in turn can enhance bacterial growth to develop and allow formation of wounds or other infections to take hold. Sequentially, the extra proteins can cause chronic inflammation in tissues, leading to fibrosis, scarring and other abnormal skin changes if left untreated.
Lymphoedema if different to ordinary oedema in that the excessive abundance of fluid stems from an imbalance between the demand for lymphatic flow and the overall capacity of the lymphatic circulation (lymphatic load). When lymph load is too great, fluid accumulates in the intercellular spaces rather than draining back into the blood stream. Oedema on the other hand is characterised by excess fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body, typically there is an underlying medical condition that is the primary cause i.e. can occur after trauma to an area of the body, heart failure, renal failure or venous insufficiency to name a few.
Lymphoedema is primarily due to a genetic, fault within the lymphatic system known as primary lymphoedema, or due to an acquired condition caused b