Lymphedema & Lipedema

What is Lymphedema?

Blockages, damage, a poorly functioning lymphatic system, or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can each cause lymphedema. Lymphedema, plainly, means there's excess fluid in soft tissues, such as fat or muscle.

This disease leads to swelling in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body. This swelling may result from surgery, radiation therapy, infection, or other medical conditions, including genetic predisposition.

This chronic condition not only affects physical health but can also impact daily life by limiting mobility, causing discomfort, and reducing overall quality of life.

At Miller Vein, we specialize in personalized, cutting-edge treatments designed to alleviate lymphedema symptoms, restore function, and improve well-being.

Left untreated, lymphedema can worsen over time, potentially leading to complications such as infections, skin changes, or reduced range of motion.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema Include:

• Swelling or puffiness in the foot and toes

• Aching, heaviness, tightness, or pain in the affected limb, which may worsen over time

• Limited range of motion or fatigue in the affected limb

• Skin changes, such as thickening, hardening, or discoloration

• Recurring infections, such as cellulitis or lymphangitis, in the affected area

• Wounds or weeping lymph fluid through the skin

How We Treat Lymphedema at Miller Vein

Our team of specialists understands the complexities of lymphedema and takes a holistic approach to care. We begin with a thorough evaluation to understand the severity of your condition and its underlying causes. From there, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Miller Vein is proud to offer advanced therapies, including Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), manual lymphatic drainage, and compression therapy. These techniques work together to reduce swelling, improve lymphatic flow, and prevent further complications. For patients with more severe or persistent cases, we collaborate with other medical professionals to explore additional interventions that might be necessary.

We also emphasize patient education, empowering you with the tools and knowledge to manage lymphedema effectively. Our team provides guidance on skin care, self-massage techniques, and the use of compression garments to maintain results and prevent flare-ups.

At Miller Vein, we are committed to supporting you through every step of your journey. With a focus on personalized care, advanced treatment methods, and a compassionate approach, we strive to help you regain control, improve mobility, and live life more comfortably. Trust us to provide the expertise and care you need to manage lymphedema and enhance your quality of life.

Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic and progressive condition that primarily affects women and is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs or arms. Lipedema typically occurs symmetrically in both legs and can be located from the hips to the ankles. There is a disproportionate appearance when comparing the lower extremities to the upper half of the body.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lipedema Include:

• Symmetrical leg fat accumulation with normal feet leading to the ankle cut-off sign

• Swelling and tenderness in the affected areas

• The presence of small nodules or lumps beneath the skin

• Easy bruising of the involved areas

• Pain and discomfort in the affected areas

Combined Disease

Lipedema, lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and obesity can all happen together in various combinations, resulting in different symptoms and the appearance of the legs. When lipedema and lymphedema occur at the same time, it's called lipolymphedema.

As noted above, lipedema involves an abnormal buildup of fat cells, typically in the legs, causing them to appear disproportionately larger compared to the rest of the body.

Lymphedema, on the other hand, occurs when there's an issue with the lymphatic system, which normally removes excess fluid and waste from the body tissues. The most common cause of lymphedema is chronic venous insufficiency.

With lipolymphedema, the combination of lipedema and lymphedema results in swelling, discomfort, and reduced mobility. The affected areas may feel painful, numb, or heavy.

Treatment Options for Lymphedema and Lipedema

Compression Therapy

Compression garments or bandages are used to apply pressure to the affected limb(s), helping to improve lymphatic flow and reduce swelling.

Pneumatic Compression Device

A medical device that uses inflatable cuffs or sleeves to apply pressure to the limbs, helping to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the affected area.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Also known as lymphatic drainage massage. Gentle, rhythmic movements that stimulate the lymphatic system and promote the drainage of lymphatic fluid.

Exercise, Nutrition, and Skin Care

Regular exercise, like walking or swimming, can help improve lymphatic flow and reduce swelling. Patients with lymphedema are at increased risk of skin infections, so it's important to keep the skin clean and moisturized with low pH products to reduce the risk of infection. Proper nutrition and weight management can help those suffering from lipedema.

Venous Ablation

Correction of underlying vein disease through quick in-office procedures helps with symptoms of vein disease including heaviness, aching, swelling and skin ulcers. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications such as leg ulcers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is manual lymphatic drainage? Is it a massage?

Although manual lymphatic drainage is commonly referred to as a massage, it is a much gentler therapeutic approach that lightly stretches the skin to stimulate lymph flow, reroute fluids, and drain fluids out of a swollen body part.

Can lipedema and lymphedema go away with weight loss?

Lymphedema and Lipedema can be managed effectively with proper treatment and daily care. However, they are chronic conditions that currently do not have a cure. Weight loss can reduce the strain on the lymphatic system but the accumulation of fat due to lipedema is not affected by typical exercise and diet. This is an area of ongoing research.

What is the difference between excess fat and lipedema?

Excess fat refers to an overall increase in adipose tissue throughout the body. It can occur due to various factors, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, hormonal imbalances, and genetic predisposition. Excess fat is typically distributed more evenly throughout the body and may not be limited to specific areas.

While excess fat can contribute to health issues like obesity, it is not necessarily accompanied by the same symptoms of pain, tenderness, or swelling as observed in lipedema. People with lipedema often have a disproportional smaller waist and trunk due to this fatty tissue accumulating on the legs. Arms may be involved; however, this is less common.

Does drinking more water help lymphedema?

Drinking enough water daily is always a good idea for your general health. However, drinking more or less water will not affect your lymphedema.

What are the warning signs of lymphedema?

Warning signs include the feeling of heaviness, fullness, or tightness of your limb. Also, be aware if clothing does not fit the same between both sides of your extremities.

What are the risks and complications of lymphedema?

There are several precautions to follow if you have lymphedema. Avoid heat, extreme cold, tight-fitting clothing, injury, blood pressure cuffs, insect bites, sunburns, needle pokes, prolonged standing or sitting, strenuous exercises, trauma, and infections.

When shaving, use a safety razor to avoid cuts. Also, keep skin clean and apply low-pH moisturizing lotion daily. Clean skin breaks with soap and water, apply topical antibiotics, and monitor for signs of infections.

What are the signs of infection that I should look out for?

Signs of infection can include rash, itching, redness, pain, increased skin temperature, increased swelling, fever, or flu-like symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately for any of these symptoms.

I tried compression stockings in the past and they didn't work. I couldn't get them on, and they hurt. What now?

Selection of proper compression is an art form that addresses several factors including circumstances of swelling, lifestyle, skin conditions, ability to put them on, and fashion.

Your Certified Lymphedema Therapist will coordinate with you to select the proper compression and will train you on efficient methods of getting them on and off.