Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymphatic
fluid in the extremities, as well as other areas
of the body. It occurs when the lymphatic flow is
interrupted due to trauma, surgery, congenital abnormality,
radiation, infection or other causes. When the system
is blocked for a long enough period of time, protein-rich
fluid accumulates and swelling occurs. Lymphedema
is a long-term, chronic condition that cannot be
cured but can be effectively managed with the proper
treatment and products.
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The Lymphatic System
The
lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system
and consists primarily of lymph vessels,
nodes and tissues. Networks of the lymphatic
system are located
throughout the body. The lymphatic system removes impurities from the circulatory
system and produces cells necessary in fighting various bacteria and viruses
that can cause infections such as cellulitis.
Lymph vessels are channels
containing colorless fluid called lymph. Lymph
is comprised of white blood cells and waste products
for lymph tissue.
Lymph fluid
passes through valves located in the lymph vessels. As fluid passes through
these nodes, harmful bacteria and viruses are removed.
Chronic venous problems including venous insufficiency and venous stasis are also treated effectively with compression therapy. Venous insufficiency occurs as a result of faulty or damaged venous valves permitting a backflow of blood, causing pain, swelling, ulcers and pigmentation changes. Venous statsis is the slowing or stoppage of blood flow.
Left untreated, lymphedema and venous problems can lead to other serious problems including infection, fibrosis, pain, skin breakdown, functional disability.
Before Compression Therapy Treatment |
After Compression
Therapy Treatment |
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Primary and Secondary Lymphedema
Primary lymphedema
may be congenital in nature or present at birth. It is more common during
the second and third decades of life and is
called lymphedema praecox.
Milroy's disease is a chronic hereditary condition
and presents at or near birth. In some cases
it develops after the age of 35 and is called
lymphedema
tarda.
Secondary lymphedema is the result of
damage to the lymphatic system for a variety of reasons
including
surgery, trauma, radiation and infection.
Surgical procedures interrupting normal lymphatic function such as surgery
for cancer in the
breast or groin areas may prevent lymph
fluid flowing
naturally through its system.
A traumatic
injury may affect the lymphatic system, damaging the normal flow of lymphatic
fluid.
Radiation therapy can damage an
otherwise healthy lymphatic system by causing scar
tissue to
form, subsequently interrupting the
normal flow of
lymphatic fluid.
In addition, repeated
episodes of infection can cause progressive closure of the
lymphatic system,
thus worsening the condition.
Congenital
Lymphedema
Before treatment... |
After
five days of compression
therapy treatment: |
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Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous problems including venous insufficiency and venous
stasis are also treated effectively with compression therapy. Venous insufficiency
occurs as a result of faulty or damaged venous valves permitting a backflow
of blood, causing pain, swelling, ulcers and pigmentation changes. Venous stasis
is the slowing or stoppage of blood flow.
Left untreated, lymphedema and venous problems can lead to other
serious problems including infection, fibrosis, pain, skin breakdown, functional
disability.
Venous stasis ulcerations are normally located
on the inside of the ankle area. The wound can
start out small and continue to increase in size
if left untreated. Removing the edema will allow
for oxygen and other nutrients to reach the damaged
tissue and enable the wound to begin healing.
Compression therapy has
been clinically proven to treat chronic venous insufficiency and edema
and heal venous stasis ulcerations by promoting
venous blood flow and enhancing systemic
fibrinolytic activity.
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