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Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Mississauga
Lymphedema: What It Is and How to Treat It
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema identifies swelling that occurs in one of the arms or legs, and can affect both arms or both legs aswell. The edema results from the blockage in the lymphatic system, part of the disease fighting capability. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well. Fluid buildups rather than draining properly, which in turn causes swelling.

Signs or symptoms of Lymphedema
Swelling of part or your entire arm or leg, including fingers or toes
A feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected limb
Restricted flexibility as a result of tightness/fluid
Aching or discomfort
Recurring infections
Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
*The swelling can range between mild and barely visible to severe enough to limit the usage of the limb.
Causes of Lymphedema
Lymphedema occurs whenever your lymph vessels cannot adequately drain lymph fluid. The fluid pools in the tissues, causing swelling that typically affects the arms and/or legs. You can find two classifications of lymphedema, primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema develops independently, while secondary lymphedema is precipitated by another condition. Secondary lymphedema is more frequent than primary lymphedema.

Lymphedema is commonly caused by harm to or removal of the lymph nodes within cancer treatment. lymphatic drainage massage mississauga may take months or even years after treatment has concluded before symptom develop.

Causes of Secondary Lymphedema include:

Surgery. Removal of or problems for the lymph nodes and vessels can lead to edema.
Radiation treatment for cancer. Radiation can cause scarring and inflammation in the lymph nodes and vessels.
Cancer. If a tumor growing near a lymph node or lymph vessel enlarges enough, it can block the flow of the lymph fluid.
Infection. An infection (of the lymph nodes) can restrict the flow of lymph fluid. Infection-related lymphedema is most typical in tropical and subtropical regions and is more likely to occur in developing countries.
Primary Lymphedema is a rare and inherited condition. It really is caused by issues with the development of lymph vessels within the body.

Causes of Primary Lymphedema:

Milroy's disease (congenital lymphedema). Beginning in infancy, this disorder causes the lymph nodes to create abnormally.
Meige's disease (lymphedema praecox). Lymphedema from this disease typically develops around puberty or during pregnancy, though it can occur later until until age 35.
Late-onset lymphedema (lymphedema tarda). This occurs rarely and usually begins after age 35.
Lymphedema Illustration
lymphedema-what-it-is-and-how-to-treat-it
The Lymphatic System's Role IN YOUR BODY
The lymphatic system is vital to your health. It disperses protein-rich lymph fluid throughout your body. The fluid collects viruses, bacteria, and waste material. The fluid is then carried this fluid through your lymph vessels, then to the lymph nodes. The wastes are filtered out by the lymphocytes (cells surviving in your lymph nodes that fight infection) and so are flushed out of the body.
Lymphedema can cause serious complications, such as:

Infections that can result from lymphedema include cellulitis, that is a serious bacterial infection of your skin and lymphangitis, that is an infection of the lymph vessels. The smallest problems for the arm or leg is definitely an entry point for infection to set in.
Lymphangiosarcoma is a rare form of soft tissue cancer that may derive from the most-severe cases of untreated lymphedema. Outward indications of lymphangiosarcoma range from blue-red or purple marks on the skin.
Risk Factors of Developing Lymphedema
Factors that can result in lymphedema apart from cancer and cancer related treatment include:

Age
Unwanted weight or obesity
Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis

Treatment
Lymphedema has no cure, but it could be treated. The goal of lymphedema treatment would be to recover functioning, minimize physical and psychological damage, and to forestall the development of infections.

Rigorous adherence to treatment is vital, even though it is frequently distressing, inconvenient, and time-consuming. Treatment is lifelong. Cooperative patients receive the most reap the benefits of treatment.

In secondary lymphedema the primary source must be treated as a way to relieve the obstruction causing the edema. Diuretics are not effective in treating lymphedema.

Appropriate skin care is essential to avoid recurrent cellulitis or lymphangitis. Painstaking focus on hygiene is necessary to eliminate keratinous debris and bacteria. Cleanse the skin regularly and invite to dry thoroughly. Regular skin checks identify any open wounds or developing cellulitis so that prompt care can be provided. Skin moisturizers ought to be applied sparingly.


The first-line treatment for lymphedema is complex physical therapy. Treatment includes manual lymphatic drainage, massage, and exercise. It emphasizes the use of compression stockings (at the very least of 40 mm Hg), multilayer bandaging, or pneumatic pumps. Elevating the foot of the bed can be immensely helpful to keep the legs elevated during the night so that fluid doesn't pool in the lower extremities.

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