How Lymphedema is Treated

Descriptions of the different types of lymphedema treatment.

How Lymphedema is Treated

This article is an overview of the major stages, and components, involved in the treatment of lymphedema with links to detailed descriptions of each. <more...>

Antibiotics for Cellulitis

Cellulitis, and similar infections, are frequent complications of lymphedema. These infections that must be treated promptly and properly to prevent the infection from spreading and to minimize tissue damage. 

Untreated infections, infections of the head and neck, or antibiotic resistant infections can trigger a systemic inflammatory response known as sepsis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of sepsis is extremely important because one third of all people who get sepsis die from it.

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Compression (1) for Lymphedema Treatment

This is the first in a series of articles that provide an overview of use of compression methods to control the swelling of lymphedema and to prevent the hardening of the tissues that can be cause by this swelling of the tissues. <more...>

Compression (2) Bandaging

Bandaging, which is also known as wrapping, is the most versatile means of reducing and controlling the swelling of lymphedema while minimizing the hardening of the affected tissues. 

Bandaging has the advantage in that each time a fresh bandage is placed it is custom fitted to the  affected limb to provide exactly the proper amount of pressure.

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Compression (3) Knit Garments

Compression garments, which are also known as elastic knit two-way stretch stockings or sleeves that are worn under clothing during the day. <more...>

Compression (4) Specialized Aids

Specialized compression aids that are constructed of foam and fabric are designed to be worn at night; however, they can also be worn during or during the day. These pads are available in a variety of styles and some are custom-fitted garments with stitching to guide the flow of lymph. Other styles have features to soften fibrotic tissues. <more...>

How to Apply For SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance, which is abbreviatied as SSDI, is a Federal government program to provide financial benefits for disabled workers.

Some patients with severe lymphedema may be eligible for these benefits. The information in this article is an overview that explains how to determine if you are eligible and, if you are, how to go about apping for these benefits.

However, it is important that you understand that this program provides benefits

• ONLY for disabled workers who qualify for these benefits and
• who ARE NOT eligible for benefits under any other disability plan. 

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Levaquin and Other Risky Antibiotics

Fluoroquinolones or quinolones are a class of powerful antibiotics that includes: Avelox, Cipro, Factive, Floxin, Levaquin, and Noroxin.

Although these antibiotics are widely prescribed, fluoroquinolones should only be used for lymphedema related cellulitis after other antibiotic options have been exhausted becuase of the risk for serious side effects.

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Low Level Laser Therapy

In November 2006, the American Food and Drug administration (FDA) cleared the Riancorp LTU-904 laser therapy device for use by professional lymphedema therapists in the treatment of post mastectomy lymphedema.

The LTU-904 is the only laser device approved by the FDA for this purpose.

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Lymphedema Stages

The International Society of Lymphology (ISL) has established a system of staging that identifies the progression, or severity, of developing lymphedema. The use of this system also makes it possible to evaluate the effectiveness, and improvement, through treatment. <more...>

Medicare Codes for Lower Limb Compression Garments

SPECIALIZED CODES

This article is based on the research by Robert Weiss as a continuiation of his outstanding work in researching the Medicare codes that can be used for lower limb compression garments.

The codes for this purpose, as shown in this article, are applicable for the treatment of lymphedema ONLY IF OPEN VENOUS ULCERS CAN BE DOCUMENTED.

Open venous ulcers are sore, and painful wounds that are thought to occur due to improper functioning of valves that occur most commonly in the legs.

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Say No to Neosporin

Many of us think a well-equipped first aid kit should include Neosporin – and that Neosporin should be applied generously if an injury breaks the skin in an area affected by lymphedema. However:

• Neosporin allergies have become more common, be alert to the signs of reaction.
• Proper application of Neosporin requires only a thin layer to protect against infection while minimize the risk of becoming allergic.

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Self-Massage

The primary purpose of self-massage is to improve the flow, and drainage, of lymph by stimulating the lymphatic vessels using the technique taught to you by your lymphedema therapist. <more...>

The Potential of Preventing Lymphedema

The information in this article is based on the results of a study supported by the National Navel Medical Center. The results were promising in demonstrating the potential of preventing the development of lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer. <more...>

Treating Head and Neck Lymphedema

Lymphedema of the head and neck is a build-up of protein-rich lymph above the shoulders and collar bones. This can be due to secondary lymphedema (SLE) resulting from cancer treatment, an injury or surgery or be due to primary lymphedema (PLE) which is a genetic (inherited abnormality). <more...>

Understanding Fibrosis

The term fibrosis is a noun that describes the formation of fine scar-like structures that form within the tissues after radiation treatment. This treatment causes the tissues to harden and this reduces the flow of fluids, including lymph, through these tissues.

The term fibrotic is a verb that meaning pertaining to fibrosis (hardening) of tissues. Radiation, such as that used to treat cancer is one cause of fibrosis. It can also be caused by chemotherapy, burns, and the imaging treatment of lymphedema. 

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Understanding Lymphedema Pumps

The goal of using a lymphedema pump is to move excess fluid out of the affected limb and to return it to the circulatory system. A pump can be used in a treatment facility under the supervision of a professional lymphedema therapist. An even more important role of the pump is for use at home by lymphedema patients who do not have access to the services of a lymphedema therapist. <more...>

Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer

WHAT IS A VASCULARIZED LYMPH NODE TRANSFER?

A Vascularized Lymph Node Tranfer (VLNTx) is microsurgical procedure in which normal lymph nodes and their associated adipose (fat) tissue is transferred to the region of the body that suffers from lymphedema. This description, which is based on the work of Marga F. Massey MD, CLT, FACS (plastic surgeon) who specializes in this field.The goal of this surgery is to: 

• Decrease the size of the swollen limb,
• Relieve symptoms such as feelings of "heaviness", "achiness," and early fatigue,
• Hopefully reduce the daily requirement for daily compression,
• and to slow the increase of the lymphedema.

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