Lymphedema is the swelling that appears on the surface of the skin due to a disruption in the lymphatic circulation. The cause of edema can be injury, surgery, or conditions such as venous insufficiency or obstruction of the lymphatic system.
The initial symptom of lymphedema is the swelling of the limb, which can easily be mistaken for water retention. If diuretics do not relieve the swelling within a few days and there is a relevant medical history, lymphedema should be suspected.
The treatment of lymphedema is performed by lymphatic therapy specialists who apply massages or special bandaging to the swollen area to improve lymphatic circulation. There are therapists who specialize in massage, but in reality, this alone does not provide relief: continuous bandaging can only support the lymphatic system in detoxification and reducing swelling.
If lymphedema is not diagnosed and treated in time, the swelling will continue to increase, becoming uncomfortable and painful.
Untreated lymphedema can lead to the development of elephantiasis.
Lymphedema can progress to a condition known as elephantiasis, where the swelling is so severe that the limb becomes extremely thickened, hardened, and resembles orange peel on the skin. The thinning skin from swelling can crack, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis and the formation of leg ulcers. In extreme cases, it can lead to complete loss of limb function and mobility impairment.
Lymphedema – once developed – requires lifelong care. It requires a conscious attitude and discipline. Many neglect it for this reason, although they shouldn’t.
Below we show you 5 dangers if lymphedema is not addressed.
1. Skin Damage
Constant swelling can damage the skin, leading to the formation of ulcers and the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.
2. Vascular Damage
Disruption of lymphatic system function can lead to venous insufficiency. This can lead to various other conditions, such as lymphadenitis, lymphangitis, lymphatic blockage (lymphoedema), malignant tumors of the lymphatic system (lymphoma), or filariasis (threadworm disease).
3. Damage to the Lymphatic System
Damage to the lymphatic system leads to deterioration of lymphatic circulation and exacerbation of lymphedema. If venous circulation is inadequate, lymph cannot flow into the veins: lymph begins to stagnate in the lymphatic vessels. As a result, proteins and fluid exit into the interstitial space, causing edemas: sausage-like fingers, elephantiasis, infant wrinkles in limb creases.
4. Hand-Foot Syndrome
The pressure on the swollen area can damage the nervous system, leading to the development of hand-foot syndrome. Its characteristic symptoms are constant pain, tingling, and numbness in the limbs.
5. Infections, Sepsis
Stagnant moisture in the edematous area and reduced blood flow provide ideal conditions for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, leading to infections, and in the worst case, sepsis.
The treatment of lymphedema is carried out by doctors or lymphatic therapists, who continually monitor the patient’s condition and adjust the treatment accordingly.
If you feel you are struggling with this condition, contact us with confidence. With the help of our trained therapist, we will bring your swollen limbs to the best possible condition to make your everyday life livable.