Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes marked swelling, most often in the arm(s) and/or leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the body.
Lymphedema development is considered 1) Primary, manifesting in young women at different ages, or 2) Acquired – through malignancy, radiation treatment, trauma, surgery, chronic infection, certain medications, systemic disease or the effects of the invasion of a parasitic filarial roundworm that occurs after a mosquito bite.
Lymphatic fluid naturally moves out of the body and when it cannot, due to one of the reasons noted above, it collects in the tissues of the affected area, resulting in extreme swelling. If not treated, the tissue becomes fibrous. This impacts the ability of oxygen to be transported to other systems, such as for wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in lymphangitis (infection).
The lack of resolution of the swelling to pre-lymphedema levels is very frustrating for those with the condition. Treatment involves various therapies with slow to minimal swelling reduction, but which does keep the tissue from becoming fibrous and detrimentally affecting other body systems.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Milroy’s Disease
- Elephantiasis
Symptoms:
- Painless but extreme swelling of one or more extremities
- Skin tightness
- Decreasing flexibility of ankle and/or foot
Signs to look for:
- Diagnosis
- Easy to identify by the marked swelling in arms or legs
Possible Causes:
- Congenital condition, more commonly in females, that manifests at birth, puberty or later in life
- Acquired by the effects of a malignancy, radiation treatment and/or cancer medication
- Acquired through trauma and/or treatment for a trauma that involves lymph nodes
- Systemic disease such as Cushings disease and lupus
- Filariasis – Parasitic roundworm enters the body after a mosquito bite
Goals:
- Restore balance
- Control motion of the feet
- Improve gait
- Footwear and arch support that makes aerobic exercising as comfortable as possible
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Shoes with a stretchable upper
- Chukka shoes or boots
- Custom shoes where necessary
- Stop wearing wear pumps and high heels
- Go barefoot on a minimal basis only
Other:
- Where the above shoes and arch supports do not provide enough stability, wedging and flares may be necessary
- Compression hosiery products where medically indicated and where they will fit
Activities:
- Medical treatment
- Do no weight lifting exercise with the affected leg(s), keeping to aerobic conditioning instead
- Where weight bearing is not possible, exercise with arm ergometer or swimming
- Regular stretching program for entire body
- Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking and swimming
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Lymphedemahelp.com Text: A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics, Lymphnet.org