1. Global strategies
  2. Treating lymphedema

Treating lymphedema

  • Therapy for lymphedema

Description

Lymphedema is a chronic and extreme swelling of the limbs. It can be treated most effectively with complex decongestive physiotherapy. This therapy has 4 parts:< 1. Manual lymph draining via gentle massage of the trunk and ultimately the lymphedemic limb every day with the aim of opening obstructed lymph vessels.

2. Bandaging the limb immediately after massage to prevent the lymph reentering the swelling. The limb should be elevated during sleep.

3. Exercising the bandaged limb, forcing the lymph to flow out from the limb.

4. Cleaning the skin and nails of the swollen limb, and coating the limb with an acidic lanolin-based skin lotion.

This treatment must usually be continued indefinitely, with bandaging at night and wearing an elasticized support sleeve by day, but patients prefer it to having the grossly swollen limb.

Broader

Problem

Lymphedema
Excellent

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-being

Metadata

Database
Global strategies
Type
(G) Very specific strategies
Subject
Content quality
Yet to rate
 Yet to rate
Language
English
1A4N
J6926
DOCID
12069260
D7NID
220258
Editing link
Official link
Last update
Dec 3, 2024