What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema occurs when the body’s ability to drain lymphatic tissue is compromised. This can lead to swelling in the legs, arms, torso or head and neck
The lymphatic system is important in managing the fluid levels in the body, filtering out bacteria, and housing types of white blood cells crucial to the body’s ability to fight infection.
Symptoms:
· May feel a heaviness in the affected region
· Skin can feel tight
· Swelling, often with pitting oedema
· Warmer skin
· Aching
· Pins and Needles
· Joint pain
Causes: Primary Lymphoedema: Is the rarer of the two types characterised by structural problems with the lymphatic system. Often the system which pumps the fluid around the body becomes sluggish. This may develop at birth, during puberty or middle age.
Secondary Lymphoedema: This is caused by obstruction within the lymphatic system which may be caused by:
· Surgery – particularly cancer-related surgery where lymph nodes are removed
· Radiotherapy – May damage the nearby lymph nodes
· Trauma – injuring the lymphatic system
· Parasites – such as worms, which may inhabit and block a lymphatic vessel
· Reduced movement –Lack of movement allows the lymph to pool, particularly in the legs. Muscle contraction help pump fluid, particularly up the legs against gravity.
· Allergy – allergic reactions may affect the lymphatic system.
Treatment: Includes education, skin care and infection prevention, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage/massage and compression bandaging and garments.
Our Physiotherapist Brooke has had extensive training and experience in managing Lymphoedema