Types of Compression Wear for Reduction of Lymphedema

It’s critically important to choose the right compression wear to reduce lymphedema. According to information published at cancer.gov, lymphedema is the name of a medical condition where fluids build up in soft skin tissues because of blockages or damages caused by cancer and cancer treatments. The buildup causes swelling, pain and other physical and psychological problems and can affect the function of your arms and legs.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for lymphedema, and treatment focuses on relieving the swelling and restoring function as normally as possible.

Treatment options for lymphedema include:

• Passive therapy with lymphedema compression garments
• Therapy and exercise
• Compression bandages
• Manual and passive lymph drainage
• Pneumatic compression and massage
• Exercises designed to speed up draining
• Compression devices
• Decongestive physiotherapy

It’s obvious that treatment options consist of both active and passive methods. Those weakened by cancer often find passive therapies the best choice because they work steadily for defined periods or 24/7 to generate drainage. Compression bandages and garments provide steady and reliable drainage.

Compression Garment Benefits for Lymphedema Treatment

Compression garments help to control lymphedema outbreaks effectively. The passive treatment doesn’t require Lymphedema Pump Therapy, exercise or complex massages and draining. That’s why it’s the treatment of choice among most patients. The garments work constantly to provide reliable drainage and provide added support for muscles that pump fluid away.

Types of Compression Garments used to Reduce Lymphedema

Compression garments run the gamut of possibilities, and depending on where the fluid builds up, you might be fitted with one of the following types of compression garments:

• Swollen Arms
  Compression sleeves supply various compression strengths to reduce swelling and help to drain the affected area.
• Swollen Legs
  Compression stockings work to reduce swelling in the legs.
• Compression for Breasts and Chest Areas
  Compression bras and vests relieve lymphedema surrounding the breast or chest.
• Compression Around the Genital Area
  Compression garments mirroring the protections of underwear reduce lymphedema that affects the genitals.

Compression garments come in different grades of compression depending on the amount of swelling and the body parts affected.

Matching Your Lymphedema with Preventative Measures

The severity of your lymphedema is characterized by a scale of 0 to 3. The zero stage is the latent stage when the lymphatic systems is malfunctioning but not producing any swelling.

• Stage 1 indicates a limb that feels heavier than normal because of swelling Pressing on the swollen area leaves behind an distinct impression. This mildest form of lymphedema often disappears on its own.
• Stage 2 cases cause the swollen area to feel spongy and soggy. A condition called issue fibrosis often develops, which causes the affected limp to feel harder than usual. Pressing on the area doesn’t leave a trace or indentation.
• Stage 3 cases are the most severe, and they’re characterized by extreme swelling and hardening and thickening of the skin. Normal functionality of the area is usually compromised, and the stage is often called lymphostatic elephantiasis because of the extreme swelling. The stage rarely occurs in breast cancer cases, but damage of the lymph nodes becomes common during stage 3 cases.

Preventative Measures to Reduce Lymphedema

According to a post at mayoclinic.org, the disease usually affects the arms and legs, but lymphedema can also occur in the abdomen, neck, genitals and chest area.

The most severe cases affect your ability to move normally, generate pain and damage the lymph nodes. Any kind of medical condition that blocks drainage of lymph fluid can cause lymphedema.

Tips for Putting On and Removing Lymphedema Compression Garments

Wearing properly fitted Lymphedema Compression Garments is single most proactive thing you can do to manage your condition and reduce Lymphedema symptoms from worsening.

Tips for putting on and removing compression garments include the following suggestions:

• Dress in the Morning
  It’s best to dress in the morning early by putting on the garment before the area swells from increased physical activity. Wait a short time after your bath or shower, dry off thoroughly and pull the garment off your hand, foot, torso or legs. Never pull the garment into place using the top part to avoid rips and tears.
• Prepare Even Pressure
  Move the garment into place by applying even pressure. Make sure that there are no creases when you finish. Wearing rubber gloves often helps smooth out the process. When fitting an arm sleeve, but the glove on the opposite hand for easier fitting.
• Avoid Rolling the Top
  Avoid rolling the top of the garment down when putting it on. This could restrict blood flow too severely and cause increased swelling.
• Using Talcum or Baby Powder
  Using unscented talc or baby powder on your limb can make it easier to put a compression garment on and take it off at the end of the day. You can also order other products to help put on or take off compression garments.
• Moisturize at Night
  If you want to moisturize your your skin for easier garment applications and removals, it’s best to moisturize at night, preventing the skin from becoming stick or tacky.

If you develop any of the following signs of physical distress, stop compression therapy immediately until you can meet with your doctor:

• Extreme swelling of part of the arm or leg
• A feeling of heaviness of tightness
• Recurring infections of skin
• Restricted range of mobility

Compression Garment Fitting to Reduce Lymphedema

You can get further information or schedule a consultation on compression wear at Soft Touch Mastectomy, lymphedema fitter specializing in compression garments in all shapes, sizes and styles.