Lymphedema

About 10 million people in the United States live with lymphedema. At VIP Wound, with offices in Memphis, Tennessee, and Holly Springs, Mississippi, their wound care specialists diagnose and treat this condition to ease swelling and other symptoms and avoid complications. Schedule an evaluation by calling the nearest office today.

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a condition that often causes swelling due to problems with the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system collects excess proteins, fluids, and toxins and returns them to the bloodstream. 

If the lymphatic system isn’t working well, fluid accumulates, causing swelling in your arms, legs, or other parts of your body. Lymphedema increases the risk of an infection. It ranges from mild swelling and discomfort to being very painful with infections or wounds.

While lymphedema can’t be cured, treatment at VIP Wound can ease symptoms and lower your risk of complications. 

Which symptoms does lymphedema cause?

The following symptoms could indicate lymphedema:

• Gradual or sudden swelling of specific body tissues
• Not being able to feel or see veins in your hands or feet
• An arm or leg is a different size from the other
• Red, puffy skin
• Tight or inflexible joints
• Jewelry or clothes fit tighter than usual
• Legs, arms, or other areas of your body feel full or heavy
• Burning
• Itching
• Thicker skin

See the VIP Wound experts at the first sign of a skin infection or wound that’s not healing.

What are the risk factors for lymphedema?

Lymphedema can develop because of:

• Pelvic surgery
• Breast cancer surgery
• Trauma
• Infections
• Radiation therapy
• Heart conditions
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Tumors
• Kidney disease
• Blood vessel problems

Adopting healthy habits, effectively managing chronic diseases, and maintaining an ideal body weight help lower your risk of lymphedema.

How is lymphedema diagnosed?

Lymphedema is diagnosed by discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, checking your vital signs, and completing a physical exam. You might undergo blood testing, an ultrasound, an MRI, a CT scan, another imaging procedure, and/or a wound biopsy to determine how to best treat lymphedema symptoms and complications.

How are lymphedema-related wounds treated?

Your personalized lymphedema treatment plan at VIP Wound depends on the severity of your condition and could consist of the following:

• Wound cleaning
• Debridement (removal of infected and dead tissue)
• Specialized medical bandages or dressings
• Oral, injected, or topical medicines
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
• Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)
• In-office dressing changes
• Elevation
• Wound care education
• Compression therapy
• Specialized footwear
• Skin grafts
• Surgery
• Combined wound care treatments

You’ll need regular exercise and possibly physical therapy to minimize the pain and swelling caused by lymphedema.

Follow up with the VIP Wound experts to ensure adequate healing of lymphedema-related wounds. Call the office anytime with questions or concerns.

Schedule a lymphedema evaluation at VIP Wound by calling the office today.