Phases of lymphedema Treatment of lymphedema Compression garments and bandages Other long term treatment options Causes of Lymphedema Can Vary Some Examples Hereditary Surgical Removal of lymph nodes ID: 708949
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Slide1
LYMPHEDEMASlide2
Objectives
Causes of lymphedema
Phases of lymphedema
Treatment of lymphedema
Compression garments and bandages
Other long term treatment optionsSlide3
Causes of Lymphedema
Can Vary
Some Examples
Hereditary
Surgical Removal of lymph nodes
Damage to vessels
Radiation
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Some causes are unknown
If surgery is the cause it may not appear for months or years laterSlide4
Stages of Lymphedema
Can
vary
as well as causeSlide5
Stage 1
Stage 1- Can be reversed
Presents with soft pitting edema, little or no hardness of the tissue, and swelling. Usually goes away with elevation and restSlide6
Stage 2
Stage 2-Is irreversible
Swelling does not decrease with elevation, hardness of the tissues is present, strong pressure will produce pitting edema and extremity is hardSlide7
Stage 3
Stage 3- Is irreversible
Considered elephantiasis with hardness of the tissue with skin
papillomasSlide8
Treatment of Lymphedema
Could consist of the following, but can vary person to person
Initial evaluation
Ongoing patient education
Lymphatic Massage
Skin care and hygiene
Guidelines for the ADL
Compression bandages
Compression Garments
Exercise instruction as needed
Home Maintenance/Self care (long term)Slide9
Initial Evaluation
Will include
Medical History
Pain discussion
Problems patient
has
been
experiencing
Skin check
Range of motion
Strength
Girth measurementsSlide10
Education
This will be completed throughout therapy sessions on how to manage your treatment at home in addition to education regarding your diagnosis Slide11
Lymphedema Bandages
Bandages are designed to provide compression during movement
Patients will need to purchase 2 sets of bandages so one can be washed, since they need to be worn 24/7
Bandages will be purchased by the patient with a cost starting at $150 depending on if we are treating an arm or leg, or if it is one side or both
Once measurements reach a plateau you will be instructed in getting fitted for compression garmentsSlide12Slide13Slide14
Compression garments
These garments can be off the shelf or custom depending on size and many insurance companies do not cover
Compression garments are put on when you get up and taken off at bedtime
This is one of your long term options when therapy is finished
These garments start at $60 and increase whether it is for an arm or leg
Arms will sometimes require a glove for swelling in the hand which typically is around $150Slide15Slide16
Other long term options
Circ
Aids are Velcro wraps that are used in place of bandages or compression stockings. These are more costly than stockings and sleeves/gloves and most insurance companies do not coverSlide17
Long term options continued
Compression pumps are designed to act as massage but garments still need to be worn. Most insurances do not
cover
Compression garments are necessary to manage your lymphedema, without them your swelling will return Slide18
Any Questions?