Lymphedema and Its Treatment

Lymphedema And Its Treatment

A healthy heart must always supply the body with enough blood to meet its current needs. Similarly, it should overcome substances that it is responsible for carrying a healthy lymphatic system. When there is insufficiency in the lymphatic system, it cannot carry enough substances it is responsible for carrying and cannot receive enough tissue fluid from the tissues. This situation leads to payment. If there is edema, there is a deficiency in the lymphatic system.

Abnormal accumulation of water and protein in the subcutaneous tissue as a result of the carrying capacity of the lymphatic system below the normal lymphatic load (mechanical failure) is called lymphedema. Lymphedema can be in the extremity, trunk, abdomen, head, neck, external genitalia. While it gradually increases in some patients, it sometimes starts suddenly. Depending on the underlying cause, it may be primary or secondary lymphedema. Primary lymphedema occurs due to the developmental disorder of the lymphatic system. In secondary lymphedema, there is mechanical failure. It is mostly seen after surgery and radiotherapy. False bandaging can create a tourniquet effect and develop secondary lymphedema.

Manual lymph drainage; In patients developing lymphedema, it is a method of manual drainage for the correction of lymph formation, delivery of lymph and tissue fluids-movement, increase of lymph flow in patient-affected lymph vessels and relaxation of fibrotised connective tissue. Manual lymph drainage consists of four main components. Lymph drainage, skin care, compression and decongestive exercises. Manual lymph drainage should be done by physiotherapists who have developed themselves in lymphedema.