Lymphoedema
By Kinnie Ho
What is lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is an inflammatory condition caused by build of excessive amounts of protein-rich lymph fluid in the body's tissue. It is characterized by swelling of one or more regions of the body.
The lymphatic system is a massive network of vessels and nodes spread all over our body. This system network plays a very important role in fighting infections and maintaining fluid balance. When the system is broken, lymph fluid does not pump and drain through its regular pathways, which may lead to swelling in areas where fluid accumulates (bit like a blocked pipe or hose).
What are the types of lymphoedema?
There are two types of lymphoedema - primary or secondary.
Primary lymphoedema is due to genetics, an inherited mutation or congenital condition that leads to malformation of lymphatic vessels. This type of lymphodema can present at birth, occur at around puberty, or appear well into adulthood years.
Secondary lymphoedema happens when the lymphatic system has been damaged or impacted by malignancy, fibrosis, trauma, surgery, or cancer treatment (eg. radiotherapy). Secondary lymphoedema is the most common worldwide when compared to primary lymphoedema.
What are the potential early signs of lymphedema?
Early signs can include - swelling in arms or legs, feeling of heaviness and/or ache in a particular area of your body, feeling of tightness in clothing, shoes or jewellery that you normally wear.
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Why is early diagnosis of lymphoedema important?
Early identification and intervention of lymphoedema is important to enable appropriate management that can help minimize risk of disease progression. Lymphoedema cannot be cured, and untreated condition can lead to pain and discomfort, and risk of complications including infections as the disease progress from mild to severe state. This is the very reason why early diagnosis is vital.
Treatment and management of lymphoedema
The treatment of lymphoedema involves five key pillars: education, compression therapy, exercise therapy, skin care, and manual lymphatic drainage. Treatment is individualized, and which of the key area(s) the individual requires intervention is dependent on the state of the individual's condition. Best practice management is provided by qualified lymphoedema therapists.
Lymphoedema is treatable and manageable. Early intervention is important to help improve function and quality of life, and prevent worsening of symptoms.
If you have recently been diagnosed with lymphoedema, or finding difficulty in managing your symptoms, we are able to help. At Synergy Physiotherapy and Pilates, we have one of our dedicated Physiotherapist and Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner to help assess and manage your condition.
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If you have recently been diagnosed with lymphoedema, or finding difficulty in managing your symptoms, we are able to help. At Synergy Physiotherapy and Pilates, we have one of our dedicated Physiotherapist and Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner to help assess and manage your condition. Make an appointment with Kinnie by calling (07) 3211 7011 or click here to book online.
