Compression arm sleeves and gloves are designed to be worn on the arms to help reduce swelling from lymphedema. These sleeves will help by applying pressure to improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Compression arm gear for secondary lymphedema is ideal for those who want a compression sleeve but do not want it in their armpit area.
There are many different types of compression clothing, and choosing the right type of compression is essential. An excellent place for choosing the correct lymphedema compression garments is Toronto, Ontario. Remember, when choosing a Lymphedema sleeve or glove, it is essential to keep in mind that the sleeve should fit comfortably to have maximum benefit. It should be snug but not tight, and you should never have to struggle to put a sleeve on. You should be able to feel the compression once it is on.
How Long Should They Be Worn?
The length of time you should wear a compression sleeve will depend on how much swelling you are experiencing. For example, if you are very swollen and your doctor has prescribed the sleeve to help reduce swelling, it is ideal for wearing it for 12 to 16 hours a day. If you have been prescribed the sleeve as part of your treatment plan but are not very swollen, it may be more beneficial to wear it while doing activities that cause swelling, such as driving or watching television.
What Activities Should You Avoid While Wearing an Arm Sleeve?
Compression sleeves may be worn while playing sports, walking, or performing other daily activities. However, avoiding strenuous activity or exercise while wearing your compression sleeve is essential. It is because the sleeve will help keep your swelling under control, but it will not decrease the size of the swollen tissue.
Should You Be Able To Keep Your Arm Sleeves on While Sleeping?
You should be able to wear your compression arm sleeve while sleeping, but the sleeve must fit well so that it provides the best possible compression. It means that you should not be able to feel any side, top, or bottom movement of your sleeve while sleeping. The most important aspect of wearing your sleeve while you are sleeping is that the arm’s position is the same throughout the night so that you will wake with your arm in the same position and keep your swelling under control for a whole night’s rest.
Compression arm sleeves should be able to be worn by people of all ages, but it is essential to remember that some age groups require special considerations. Maternity, children, and seniors will have different needs than other adults.
Maternity Lymphedema
The skin over the upper abdomen and the arms becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, which can make wearing a compression sleeve more challenging. An effective way to deal with this is to buy a size larger than what you usually would wear under your regular clothing. It will allow the sleeve to be fitted loosely over your clothes and then tightened when putting on the compression sleeve device.
Children and Teenagers
Children have smaller and thinner arms and have a much harder time with too tight sleeves. It will result in the sleeves being uncomfortable for them. According to clinicians, children should be able to wear compression arm sleeves that fit snugly but comfortably on the arms. However, if your child complains of pain or discomfort, you may need to try a different sleeve that is a little tighter around the arm. If your child is a teenager, your child must look to participating in sports because this will help to improve lymph flow in the arms.
Seniors and the Elderly
The elderly and seniors may have difficulty putting on a compression arm sleeve because they may be unable to reach their arms above their heads. Some sleeves come with head coverings so they can be slipped on over their head. You should wear these in addition to the sleeve and not as a replacement.
Types of Compression Sleeves and Gloves
Depending on the type of lymphedema you have, there are a variety of compression sleeves that your doctor may recommend. Some sleeves are specifically for an arm with lymphedema, but others can be used for both arms and legs in treating lymphedema. These different types of compression sleeves include:
- Arm Compression Sleeves: These types of compression sleeves only provide compression to the arm. A doctor or a physical therapist usually recommends them, and you can purchase them at drugstores, medical supply stores, and online.
- Arm Sleeves for Lymphedema: These types of compression sleeves are specifically for people with arm lymphedema. They are designed to fit either your arm or both arms, depending on your chosen brand. Like other sleeve types, you can buy them at drugstores and medical supply stores.
- Leg Compression Sleeves: These types of compression sleeves are usually used by physical therapists and can be purchased online or at medical supply stores.
- Compression Garments: These types of compression sleeves are designed to fit over the sleeve you already have and provide additional compression to the treated arm or leg. They can be a little more expensive, but they may provide benefits for specific areas, such as the upper back.
- Wrist Compression Sleeves: These types of compression sleeves are designed to fit snugly around the wrist so that they do not slip off while you wear them. They can help improve swelling in the arms by applying pressure and decreasing the amount of fluid reaching your hands. A doctor or a physical therapist usually recommends them, and You can purchase them at drugstores, medical supply stores, and online.
- Hand Compression Sleeves: These compression sleeves fit around the hand and provide pressure to the forearm. You can purchase them at drugstores, medical supply stores, and online.
Brands of Compression Arm Sleeves
There are many brands of compression arm sleeves on the market, and you can purchase them in various sizes, styles, and colors. The following is a list of some of the most popular brands available:
- Solaris collection: Sleeves manufactured by Solaris are clinically proven to prevent fluid retention. They have a unique double-layer construction that provides consistent compression and helps to improve circulation. They are available in 4 styles: Regular, Short, Half-Length, and Full-Length.
- JOBST Medical Compression: Sleeves manufactured by JOBST Medical are effective because they apply pressure to the veins and lymph nodes to help reduce swelling. They can be purchased online or through retail establishments, and they come in various lengths, including short sleeves, half-length sleeves, full-length sleeves, long sleeves, and thigh-length.
- Compression Garments from Juzo: Sleeves manufactured by Juzo are available in various colors and styles. Their compression garments are designed to fit snugly and provide compression to areas that need it most, such as the upper back, the underarm, calf, and thigh. They are available online or through retail establishments.
- Thuasne Compression Garments: Sleeves manufactured by Thuasne are durable fabrics that allow air to circulate, help reduce swelling and increase circulation. They come in a variety of colors, lengths, and styles. Compression Sleeves come in different sizes so that the manufacturer’s information can determine the correct size. The manufacturer should recommend how long you should wear the sleeve before washing or wearing another one. You will need to consult your doctor or physical therapist to see which size is best for you.
- CircAid by Medi: The CircAid by Medi sleeve is made from an antimicrobial fabric that helps prevent bacterial growth. You can wear it for up to 20 hours, and it fits snugly around the arm because of a velcro closure. This sleeve is available in short and long sleeves in four colors: black, black or white, white, and aqua blue. One size fits all.
Medical advances and techniques have helped eliminate many of the traditional limitations that affected the treatment of lymphedema in the past, but there are still limitations.
When considering compression sleeves, it is essential to remember that they do not cure the disease. They are a part of a healthy lifestyle that aims to provide relief for your lymphedema. To find the right size and type of sleeve for you, contact a doctor or physician in Toronto, Ontario, and ask for additional information about what types of sleeves are available on the market and how they work before making a purchase
For inquiries, please email our office at [email protected], and we will send a quick reply will be sent about your condition. If you require a personal consultation that requires an appointment, please call the office today at 416-782-5353.