Swelling in the arms and legs can be a sign of the disease
One of the doctors of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, Uzm. Dr. Selcen Güre made important statements about the symptoms and treatment of the disease. Expressing that the disease can occur in case of obstruction or malfunction of the circulatory system, Uzm. Dr. Selcen Güre, “Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid due to an obstruction or malfunction in the lymphatic circulation system and the inability to circulate it properly. Lymphatic fluid is the fluid that carries some special substances, which we call fluid, very similar to the plasma in the blood, and white blood cells related to our body’s resistance system. It is our circulatory system, which is similar to that carried by veins or arteries, but has a completely different function. Lymphedema presents as swelling, especially in the arms and legs. There are two main types of these. One is the type we call primary lymphedema, which is caused by problems in the lymph nodes or lymph vessels. Another is the secondary painful swelling that we see more often due to the worsening of lymph flow due to some external reasons such as surgery. In distinguishing lymphedema from other edemas, it plays a suspicious role to us because it is generally harder and more widespread, causing severe edema on the backs of the feet and hands. We use lymphoscintigraphy in diagnosing lymphedema and doppler ultrasound in cases where it is not found.
“Lymphedema patients should not lift heavy weights, especially with their lymphedema arm.”
Listing the things to consider after treatment, Dr. Dr Selcen Güre said: “The most common secondary lymphedema group is our mastectomy patients. Because the lymph nodes in the armpit are removed during some breast cancer operations, lymphedema develops in that side arm after a while. In addition to mastectomy, for example, in ovarian cancer, prostate cancer in men, lymphedema in the legs can also be seen after surgery due to the lymph nodes being worked close to the lymph nodes or the lymph nodes being removed. Especially for the arm with lymphedema, we want to avoid external interventions in that area. We want that arm not to be used when a vein has to be opened, when blood has to be drawn, when blood pressure has to be measured. Since the area of lymphedema is more prone to infection, the skin in that area should not be dry. We need to hydrate especially after showering. Our goal here is not to disrupt the skin barrier. Since cellulitis can be associated with infections, the wound can open easily. Apart from this, it should be supported by the practice done in that area. Lymphedema patients should not lift heavy weights, especially with their lymphedema arm.
“It is very important that we have a two-way dialogue with the patient and that the patient is informed about this.”
Dr. Güre said: “There are many questions from our patients about whether there is a cure for lymphedema. Lymphedema is diagnosed by physiotherapists and treated by specialist physiotherapists. Here it is appropriate to handle this treatment with a team that specializes in this job and trained in this job. Because the treatment of lymphedema is a condition that requires patience and effort. It is very important that we have a two-way dialogue with the patient and that the patient is aware of this issue Because the treatment process is a whole in the clinic and the normal life of the non-clinical person. In the treatment of lymphedema, specific lymphedema massages are applied. Immediately after the massages, wrapping with special short-pull bandages is required. After we have reached a certain level achieved and have achieved a serious reduction in diameter by following this with the sessions we apply, we must increase the b complete the operation and proceed with the checks. Special compression stockings should be used in patient follow-up.