Lymphedema
From Freepedia
Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system. The lymphatic system collects and filters the interstitial fluid of the body. Lymphedema is relatively little recognized as being a serious health problem. Doctors and medical staff who practice in fields where this disease is uncommon may fail to correctly diagnose the condition.
Causes and symptoms
Lymphedema is caused by injury to the lymphatic vessels. It is most frequently seen after surgery or radiation therapy, which can cause unintended damage to the lymphatic drainage system. It is especially common after surgery and radiation therapy are used in combination to treat breast cancer. Lymphedema can also be associated with accidents or any other sort of disease or problem that can inhibit the lymph from proper function. Cancer patients sometimes find this condition develops after their therapy has concluded, while lymphedema may also form as an hereditary condition. In the lower extremity it can be unilateral or bilateral.
Symptoms include severe fatigue, a heavy swollen limb or localized fluid accumulation in other body areas, deformity, discoloration of the skin overlying the lymphedema, recurrent episodes of cellulitis and many other symptoms. Each case is different. The condition also causes psychological distress. The normal daily living lifestyle can become severely limited.
Presented here is a case of unilateral herediatary lymphedema which had been present for 25 years without treatment:
 Comparison of normal and swollen limb |
 Size of swollen foot, toes underneath |
 Another view or lymphedemic foot |
 Foot and leg (held vertically) |
Treatment
Treatment of lymphedema can include the use of pressured sleeves, bandaging, and surgery. Some physical therapists or other practitioners of manipulative therapy are trained to perform what is known as a "lymphatic release" or "manual lymph drainage" by massaging areas of the body where lymph is found to be flowing irregularly. Such releases are intended to unblock poorly circulating lymph, though these therapies are only common practices and not widely accepted as effective, scientifically proven methods for treatment of the lymphatic system.
