The perils of mild to severe lymphoedema and effective treatment with inelastic compression garments!

The perils of mild to severe lymphoedema and effective treatment with inelastic compression garments!

Venous disorders are a result of reduced function of blood circulation in the veins of your feet and legs. Over time, the valves in the vein walls that work to pump blood toward the heart and against the force of gravity can weaken, gradually allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the legs and feet. This causes what doctors call venous reflux.
Accessing venous disorders, wounds and venous reflux is a complicated procedure and requires proper medical intervention under the observations of a venous specialist – a Cardio Vascular Surgeon or a Neurologist.

There are specific activities that trigger the onset of lymphoedema or exacerbate the already-existing symptoms of lymphoedema. Patients already suffering from lymphoedema and those that are at risk or are vulnerable to be developing it (like anyone who has underwent lymph node excision or radiation from primary & secondary stage 1 of cancer should always observe the following precautions to keep at bay from health hazards and risks.
It is of high prerogative to keep your skin fresh and clean and take proper skincare
• Keep your skin thoroughly clean and check frequently for any signs of cracks, fungal infections or rashes
• Moisturize your skin daily, especially after taking a shower or bath. Use appropriate ointments or lotions as prescribed by our physician to prevent any infections
• Dry your skin thoroughly with a soft towel after taking a shower or bath and don’t use any scrub that may irritate the skin and develop rashes or any other skin symptoms
• For patients who have undergone radiation therapy, they should always apply the medicated ointments recommended by the physician to be applied on the area of any radiation redness on your skin
• You should avoid direct exposure to sunlight on the skin
• Avoid over-the-counter cosmetics that irritate the skin
You should seek a doctor’s help if any such symptoms develop during the phase of mild to severe lymphoedema
• If there are any possible signs of an infection such as fever, chills, red and hot skin
• If you notice any feel itching sensation, development of rash, fungal infections, or any other unusual changes on the skin that may be a precursor to a later stage of severe lymphoedema
• If you experience pain or a sudden increase in swelling of your toes, foot, leg or lower body

So What is the root cause of lymphoedema?
According to an international study conducted by courtesy: the International Society of Lymphology there are various stages to the gradual progression of lymphoedema
Stage 0 – There are no visible signs of lymphoedema of the arm, hands, lower limb, or foot. But a general difference of feeling with mild tingling, tiredness, or a slight heaviness of the limbs.
Stage 1 (mild) – The arms, lower limbs, trunk, breasts, and other areas of the body appear mildly swollen as protein-rich fluids start to accumulate in the lymph. The early stage of lymphoedema is reversible with treatment as there are no visible deformities or damage to the skin.
Stage 2 (moderate) – The affected become more swollen. Elevating the arm or lower limb doesn’t yield satisfactory results and on pressing the skin doesn’t leave a pit. Some form of changes under the skin starts to happen like swelling, inflammation, thickening, or hardening of the skin. Stage 2 lymphoedema can be managed with treatment but any damage to the skin can’t be reversed.
Stage 3 (severe) – This is considered the most advanced stage of lymphoedema. In this stage, the affected arm, upper or lower limb becomes very large and misshapen and the skin becomes leathery and wrinkled in appearance.
Generally, Compression therapy is considered the cornerstone for the treatment of lymphoedema, Venous reflux, and chronic venous insufficiency. The primary role of compression garments in Lymphoedema Management is to reduce swelling which is generally achieved during the intensive treatment phase of Complete Decongestive Therapy or CDT.

But unfortunately, patients who are unable to apply compression stockings due to such factors and social limitations, need a self-adjustable inelastic garment with adjustable compression to suit their needs. An inelastic compression garment gives a guaranteed compression profile with a defined pressure (20 – 50 mmHg) up to 24 hours a day if required and is suitable for all venous disorders after wound healing to prevent further recurrence. The innovative concept woven into the garment is made from Nylon, Polyurethane & Elasthane with a unique Breath-O-Prene material that provides excellent breathability and firm containment. Generally, such compression garments are simple to apply thanks to simple hook-and-loop straps. With juxta-lock bands & patented Built-In-Pressure System, it regulates in the application the correct prescribed compression level that is simple yet comfortable.

 

 

If you have ankle and foot discoloration prevailing for a long period of time, you definitely need to consult a Vein specialist or a cardiovascular surgeon who will properly check the condition of your foot and ankle and guide you to a proper treatment plan by conducting an ultrasound examination to detect the venous problems & disorders that is causing lymphoedema. He will discuss the problems of your leg, and check the entire leg, foot, and ankle to observe swelling, inflammation, and open wound for ulcerations if any. Besides a few routine tests, prescriptive medications, rest & elevation of the lower limb, your doctor will advise on the following:
• Your physician will strictly advise you to Avoid hot showers
• Avoid hot packs and/or ice packs on your leg or the leg that is at greater risk of severe stage
• Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and whirlpools.
• To avoid not to sit too close to a fireplace
• Avoid traditional massage on the leg and the lumbar area. Note: Manual lymph drainage is an absolute NO in such cases
• Avoid sunburn, while enjoying the pristine beaches under the sun, use sunscreen & cover the leg with appropriate clothing or a dry towel
Further, your doctor might recommend inelastic compression garments for the lower or upper leg to reduce swelling and inflammation. Such inelastic compression garments are instantly adjustable & can be individually readjusted on the limb. Such compression garments are used for treating mild to severe lymphoedema as directed by your physician. Further, these inelastic compression garments help prevent the accumulation of fluid in the tissue which are quite painful. The fluid build-up also restricts the circulation of blood to the veins and surface of the skin and thereby reduces the healing rate. These garments offer self-management by the patients which mean no carer is required for donning and doffing. Ultimately it promotes a better quality of life and promotes a normal range of movement by the patient. The patient feels better with the passage of time as it saves their time as compared to bandages, highly cost-effective as compared to bandages
Once your wound has healed and swelling has significantly reduced, your consultant physician will advise you to wear the compression garment for some time to keep swelling under control. This will further help in reducing the chances of developing a new wound in the future.

To further explore in detail a broad range of exclusive products covering the treatment of Mild to Severe lymphoedema, and venous disorders, it is to be noted that PMIPL has earned a significant reputation in healthcare & wellness to stand apart as the sole Importer & Distributor of reputed lymphology & inelastic medical compression garments offering a wide variety of choices easily accessible across Rehab clinic, Reputed pharmacies and major Distributors & Suppliers for your tailored needs. With a strong PAN India presence and its’ Head Office ideally located at the heart of KOLKATA covering a major dealer strength of 400+ and a wide network comprising of 140+ cities, kindly follow the link @