Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a common but potentially serious condition that can affect wound healing and increase your risk of infection. At Complete Wound Care in Wallingford and Milford, Connecticut, complex wound care specialists Adrian Wyllie, MD, MBA, CWSP, FAPWH, and Vadim Kurbatov, MD, PhD, provide high-quality care for lymphedema. Call the nearest Complete Wound Care office today to schedule lymphedema treatment, or book your appointment online.

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is swelling that occurs when something is wrong with your lymphatic system. 

The lymphatic system collects excess toxins, fluids, and proteins from your cells and tissues and moves them into your bloodstream. However, if your lymphatic system doesn’t work well, fluid can accumulate in your body and cause swelling.

Lymphedema can occur anywhere throughout the body, but it commonly affects the arms and legs. Without treatment, your risk of complications, like infection, also increases. 

Are there different types of lymphedema?

Complete Wound Care treats both types of lymphedema:

Primary lymphedema

This type is rare and inherited genetically. It affects about 1 in 100,000 people and is caused by a malfunction in how the lymphatic system develops.

Secondary lymphedema

This type happens if your lymphatic system is damaged due to trauma, radiation therapy, or surgery. It most commonly affects people with breast cancer.

What are the symptoms of lymphedema?

Lymphedema symptoms include:

• Unusual swelling in your arms, legs, or other parts of your body
• A noticeable feeling of heaviness in your arms or legs
• Burning or itching sensations
• Noticeably thicker skin
• Red, puffy skin
• Stiff or inflexible joints

Lymphedema usually develops slowly. However, the onset is rapid in some instances, occurring over a few days.

How is lymphedema diagnosed?

Your Complete Wound Care provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and where they’re most severe. 

Then, they complete a physical exam and order diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan. These tests look for abnormalities, such as tumors, that can put pressure on the lymphatic system. 

How is lymphedema treated?

Complete Wound Care treats lymphedema using an integrative and patient-centered approach. They could suggest:

• Compression garments to move fluids from your tissues to your bloodstream
• Multilayer compression bandaging 
• Compression devices, such as pneumatic compression pumps to boost fluid movement
• Elevating the affected limb (or limbs)
• Exercise to stimulate lymphatic drainage
• Physical therapy to stimulate circulation

Most people with lymphedema benefit from several treatments. Your provider monitors your swelling at routine checkups and adjusts your care plan as needed. If you have severe lymphedema that doesn’t improve, your provider might recommend surgery.

Call the nearest Complete Wound Care office today to schedule lymphedema treatment, or book your appointment online.