Beat the Heat with these Lymphedema Summer Safety Tips!

Staying Cool

• When indoors, try to stay where it’s well air-conditioned.
• The hottest parts of the day are between 11 am and 3 pm – try to limit your time outside during these hours!
• If you get overheated, elevate your affected limb and place a cold, wet towel over it.
• Drink plenty of water! Staying well hydrated makes it easier for your body to regulate its temperature.
• Wear light, loose, non-constricting clothing. This creates better lymphatic flow, as well as keeping you cooler!
• Powder the inside of your shoes with an unscented bath powder or anti-fungal powder to help prevent fungal infections.

Sunburn

• Avoid excessive sun exposure, as sunburn will place an extra burden on your lymphatic system and increase swelling.
• Remember that even if you are wearing a compression garment, it is still possible to get sunburn.
• Be sure to wear sunscreen when going outside!

Swimming

• Chlorine can be drying to your skin, causing breakage and giving bacteria a way to enter and cause infection. You can combat this by applying a moisture barrier cream before getting into the water, as well as after you get out of the pool.
• Avoid a fungal infection by wearing footwear at all times when you aren’t in the pool, especially in the shower area!
• When swimming in a natural body of water, wear water shoes to avoid cutting your feet on shells or stones.
• If you have a skin break on your affected limb, it’s best not to go into the water.
• While swimming, you can wear an old compression garment or none at all – just be sure to don some form of compression once you get out!
• Take a bath or shower after swimming, and be sure to dry off completely afterward. Keeping the skin dry is important as excess moisture trapped between your skin and compression garment can promote bacterial growth and risk of infection!

Take Care of Your Garment

• Get measured for a garment after the hot weather starts, and again after it has ended. This way, your garments will be better fitted to the seasonal changes your edema goes through.
• Clean your garment regularly to avoid deterioration from sweat, body oils, and sunscreen!

Insect Bites

• Apply insect repellent before going outside. Avoid using ones with DEET, however. You can do this by purchasing natural repellents from health food stores.
• Treat insect bites immediately to avoid increased swelling or itching in that area. Wash and dry the area completely before applying antibiotic cream or ointment.
• If you’re going camping, bring along a specialized first aid kit that includes alcohol wipes to clean any skin breaks, antibiotic cream, and bandages.

How to Prevent and Manage Lymphedema

From the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Following radiation treatment or surgery to remove lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy), patients can develop lymphedema, a condition that involves abnormal swelling, usually in the arms or the legs, due to an accumulation of lymphatic fluids. This fluid buildup is caused by blockage or removal of lymph nodes or lymph vessels.

Lymphedema is often associated with breast cancer patients, but can result from treatment of other cancers, such as melanoma, prostate, or advanced gynecological cancer.

In addition to discomfort, lymphedema can also lead to infection, as the fluid buildup can increase bacteria growth. Pay attention to signs of infection, including pain, heat, swelling, rash blistering, redness, and fever. If you notice these symptoms, call your physician immediately.

Below are some ways to prevent infection and manage lymphedema symptoms that arise:

Infection prevention techniques:

*Be sure to keep your skin clean and moisturize daily.
*Exercise when possible. A physical therapist can help you determine what types of exercise your body can handle. 
*Avoid injury (cuts, sunburns, and insect bites) and wear gloves for gardening or cleaning.
*Avoid injections and blood pressure readings in the surgery site, or in the area that is affected by lymphedema.

Lymphedema management tips:

*Do not lift heavy objects with an arm affected by lymphedema and avoid continuous circular motions, like mixing.
*Elevate the limb above heart level as often as possible.
*Avoid extreme temperature changes when bathing or alternating between ice packs and heating pads.
*Avoid constriction. Wear loose clothing, do not wear tight jewelry or elastic bands around affected fingers or arms.
*Maintain ideal weight and a diet rich in protein and low in salt. 
Read more about how patients can keep a healthy diet.

If lymphedema is caused by infection, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics. If not, mechanical compression sleeves and stockings can prevent further accumulation of fluid in the affected limb. A trained therapist can also introduce manual lymphatic draining, if necessary.
 

Certain surgeries may lead to limbs swelling

Stephanie Turner, Aiken Standard

For some people, they will never be fully healed. An illness has crept inside them, swelling their limbs to abnormal sizes.

This swelling can be a sign of lymphedema, according to Holly Shurtleff, Hitchcock Healthcare occupational therapist.  "You can eat perfectly healthy and be the ideal weight, and, yet, you can still get lymphedema," she said.

March is deemed Lymphedema Awareness Month.

"This illness can be really scary," Shurtleff said.
Lymphedema stems from your body's lymphatic system, which helps protect our bodies from germs and bacteria, as well as help us release waste, Shurtleff said.

"It is part of the circulatory system of veins and arteries," says the National Lymphedema Network.

Shurleff explained that the "controlling center" of the lymphatic system are called the lymph nodes, which are located in the lymph vessels.

When lymph fluid passes through these nodes, they rid the fluid of harmful bacteria and viruses.

"Networks of the lymphatic system comprising these vessels ... and nodes are situated in several areas of the body," the National Lymphedema Network stated.

These networks reach places like the neck, the armpits, the pelvic area and the groin.

Surgery that results in the lymph nodes being removed are one way a person can get lymphedema. These surgeries are often used as treatment methods for cancer patients, Shurtleff said.

"Surgical removal of a tumor and adjacent lymph nodes and vessels may block lymph fluid from flowing naturally through its system," the National Lymphedema Network says.

Having radiation therapy can also leave its effects by causing scar tissue to form. This will also disturb the flow of lymph fluid.

Some are born with lymphedema, Shurtleff said.  "The whole baby's body can swell," she said.

If the swelling goes untreated, your skin can harden and/or you can get infections, the National Lymphedema Network stated.

Treatment methods include exercising, using compression garments and bandages and taking antibiotics. Methods are determined based on the cause and severity of the illness, the National Lymphedema Network stated.

Your affected limb can return to its normal size but only if it swelled up to less than 5 percent of its normal size, Shurtleff said.

"The further it is, the greater the possibility it won't get back to your normal size," she said.

One treatment method she uses is massaging. That and exercise can "get the fluid moving throughout the whole area," she said.  Lymphedema cannot be cured, she added.

The swelling can reoccur; therefore, those with this ailment must take precautions.

Besides keeping your weight to a healthy level, avoid wearing tight jewelry and doing stressful movements with the affected limb. Avoid injuries by wearing protection as you work around the house or at your job. Keep the limb away from heat, and keep it elevated as much as possible.

Those with affected limbs should not to get blood drawn or shots put into them.

Those who need to have their lymph nodes removed can work to prevent themselves from catching lymphedema, Shurtleff said.

After surgery, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, protect the limb and exercise.

If you are experiencing unusual swelling and discomfort, tell an oncologist or your regular physician.

For more information on lymphedema, visit www.lymphnet.org.

Critical Legislation to Improve Health Care for Lymphedema Patients Introduced

U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and cosponsors Congressmen Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Leonard Lance (R-NJ) and Bruce Braley (D-IA) introduced the Lymphedema Treatment Act, HR 3877, to ensure Medicare coverage for the millions of Americans who suffer from this condition.

"Seniors who suffer from lymphedema should not be punished for taking the necessary steps to treat their condition," Reichert said. "By rectifying Medicare's failure to cover compression garments we give seniors their best chance and real hope to fight back against this chronic disease. I am pleased to be joined by my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in this fight against lymphedema."

Lymphedema is a chronic condition resulting from damaged or inadequate lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels that afflicts millions of Americans. It is a disease that one can be born with but it is most often caused by cancer treatments that damage the body's lymph system or immune functions.

Due to the painful swelling that results from lymphedema, compression therapy is an essential component of treatment but compression supplies are not covered by Medicare despite being an ongoing necessity. HR 3877 closes this coverage gap by requiring Medicare to cover lymphedema compression items.

Lymphatic Flow and Yoga

Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymphatic system fails to drain lympatic fluid from the body properly causing increased swelling and volume in the affected area. This is a increasingly heightened problem for cancer patients who have had lymph nodes removed or otherwise damaged by radiation and cancer treatments.

Yoga is an especially effective exercise in helping to revive the lymphatic system and expel lymphatic fluid. By concentrating on muscle contractions of the whole body and by incorporating deep conscious breathing, it serves as a pump to help direct lymph through the deep channels of the chest.

Types of yoga-influenced exercises to help with lymphatic fluid are:

Inversions - by placing your legs up a wall or lying on an inversion therapy table you create anti-gravity and drain lymph and used blood from the legs

Abdominal Twists - working the abdomen with twists and side bends simulates the flow of lymph fluid up through the core of the body by squeezing the organs and muscles and then allowing fresh fluid to soak back in as the twist is relaxed

Aerobic Exercise - dynamic flow practices cause large muscles in the body to contract and relax, the primary way lymph fluid moves through the body

Top Tips for Air Travel With Lymphedema

With the holiday season in tow, an increase in travelers will invade airports all over the country.  we've put together a few tips for those with lymphedema and are planning to travel by air this season.

Cabin pressure during a flight in a plane is less than the atmospheric pressure while on the ground. The decreased pressure in the cabin can cause increased swelling of the limb. If you have had a mastectomy, lumpectomy or radiation therapy you should wear compression garments while traveling by air to reduce risk of swelling.

Air travel is sedentary in nature, normally causing blood and lymphatic circulation to slow.  When you have been properly fitted for a sleeve and glove/gauntlet, it should be tight at the wrist and sit one finger width from the arm pit.

A hand piece or glove should be worn with the sleeve in order NOT to push the fluid into your hand. It is recommended to wear your sleeve 2 hours prior to flight and 2 hours after you have landed. Wearing garments applies to other types of long distance travel such as a car, train, or bus.

Travelers Tips:

-Wear comfortable clothing
-Avoid lifting and carrying heavy baggage
-Take a short walk every 2 hours
-Raise your arm and turn in circles several times
-Wear compression garments while on the trip will help prevent symptoms and swelling
-Drink plenty of liquids, avoid dehydration
-Take sunscreen, insect repellent, and extra non-scented lotion such as Eucerin

If you are in need of compression garments, call our BOC/ABC certified fitter, Kristen Knowles at 713-623-4247.  She specializes in creating customized solutions to increase mobility and decrease lymphedema swelling.

Innovations Target Risk of Lymphedema After Cancer Treatment

By NARA SCHOENBERG | CHICAGO TRIBUNE 

In the past few years, surgeons have made strides in preventing lymphedema, a potential side effect of breast cancer surgery in which a blockage in the lymphatic system causes fluid buildup and swelling in the arm.

By preserving the underarm lymph nodes in patients with less-advanced cancer, surgeons have reduced the lymphedema risk for those patients.

But lymphedema still affects an estimated 10 to 40 percent of patients, depending on the extent of the cancer and the type of surgery and radiation required.

What can be done for patients whose underarm lymph nodes can't be preserved because of the spread of cancer? Or the ones who get lymphedema despite lymph node-saving surgery?

Approaches that may help are being tested and tried at major cancer treatment centers, among them the lymphatic microsurgical preventive healing approach (LYMPHA) surgical technique, which connects lymph vessels to a nearby vein, restoring drainage when underarm lymph nodes are removed. There's also axillary reverse mapping, which seeks to identify and preserve lymph nodes related to arm drainage (as opposed to breast drainage), and highly sensitive L-Dex bioimpedance spectroscopy, which is used to diagnose lymphedema at its earliest stages, when it is most responsive to treatment.

"There are a lot of people working on different things," said Dr. Sarah McLaughlin, a breast surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla.

But as much as researchers would like to see advances in this area, she said, it's important to wait until new approaches are backed up by reliable data.

"It just takes time," she said.

At NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, surgeons are seeking to replicate the results of a promising Italian study, in which researchers at the University of Genoa attempted to prevent blocked drainage after lymph node removal by allowing lymph vessels to drain into a nearby vein. In the Italian study, published in 2011 in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, 4 percent of the women in the LYMPHA group had lymphedema at six months after surgery, compared to 30 percent of the women in the control group.

The NewYork-Presbyterian pilot study started in January.

"We've performed this on about seven patients, and so far, it looks very, very good," said Dr. Sheldon Feldman, chief of breast surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian. The procedure takes less than an hour, and the technique is quite simple, he said: Lymphatic vessels are basically attached into a stump of a branch of a nearby vein.

Axillary reverse mapping, in which an injection of dye is used to identify the lymph nodes that drain the arm, as opposed to the breast, for the purpose of preserving the arm lymph nodes during surgery, is being used at some large cancer centers.

Early detection of lymphedema is the aim of L-Dex bioimpedance spectroscopy technology, which uses a small electronic current to detect volume change.

"The longer lymphedema is there, the tougher it is to treat, so the idea is to have a very sensitive tool which could be used to detect very subtle changes in volume in the arm - before it's apparent to the patient, before it's apparent to the doctor," Feldman said.

"That's what this bioimpedance spectroscopy can do."

Lymphedema and Weight Loss

If you're overweight, you're more likely to experience problems with lymphedema. The theory is that when your body has extra fat, those tissues require more blood vessels. This creates a higher volume of blood and lymph in the arms and chest, placing a greater burden on the remaining lymph nodes and vessels after breast cancer treatment.

Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29.9 and obese as a BMI of 30 or greater. For example, a 5'5" woman weighing 150 pounds or more is considered overweight, and she is considered obese if 180 pounds or more. There are a number of online tools you can use to calculate your BMI, such as this one from the National Institutes of Health.

Some studies have shown that losing weight can significantly improve lymphedema symptoms in people who are overweight. Talk to your doctor or lymphedema therapist about creating a diet and safe exercise plan for bringing your weight down to a healthy range. You can also ask if there is a nutritionist who can help you make an eating plan that will help you lose weight. Many hospitals and cancer centers have nutritionists on staff.  Since being overweight also increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence, it's doubly important to take steps to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

If you're at a healthy weight now, work to stay within your current range. Good nutrition and safe exercise are your best allies. 

Bandages for Lymphedema

Bandaging is a mainstay of treatment for stage 2 and stage 3 lymphedema (moderate to severe lymphedema). Bandaging involves creating a soft cast on the arm or upper body by wrapping with multiple layers. This is a main component of the larger treatment regimen called complete decongestive therapy, or CDT, and many research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CDT. While there aren't many studies that focus just on bandaging, the small amount of research available suggests that bandaging can reduce arm volume.

At first, your lymphedema therapist should do the bandaging for you while teaching you the right technique. Some therapists provide an instructional DVD or written directions to guide you. The process starts with an inner liner made of stocking-like fabric or gauze, also known as a stockinette. The liner would be placed over the arm and hand after moisturizing the skin with a gentle lotion such as Eucerin or Curel. Try to avoid lotions with anything that could irritate the skin, such as perfumes or dyes.

In most cases, padding made of polyester, cotton, or foam would be placed over the stockinette, followed by multiple overlapping layers of short-stretch bandages. Short-stretch bandages look like the Ace bandages you might get at the drugstore, but they're much less stretchy. Generally, there would be more layers further down on the limb and fewer layers higher up, creating graded pressure that helps fluid move up and out of the arm. The bandages should feel snug but not tight.

Bandaging is also an option for lymphedema of the chest or trunk, as short-stretch bandages come in all sizes. Bandaging is a reductive therapy, meaning it makes the limb smaller. When your arm is bandaged, your muscles are "held in" by the multi-layer soft cast every time you use your arm. This is known as working pressure. When you do any prescribed exercises with the bandages on, or simply use your arm as for normal activities, this working pressure creates an internal pumping action that moves fluid out of the tissues and into vessels of the lymphatic system. The bandage cast helps prevent fluid from flowing back into the limb, and it also softens the tissue under the skin. This is why bandages are an important treatment for lymphedema that is causing moderate to severe swelling and/or soft tissue changes.

It is recommended to work with a certified lymphedema specialist to create a tailored plan to treat and manage your lymphedema. We have several certified lymphedema specialists on our Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness team. Our therapists will work with you to address any problem areas and our certified compression garment fitter, Kristen, can create custom compression wear to help you improve your condition and mobility.

To schedule a free consultation, call a RNHW team member at 713-623-4247 today!

Tips For Lymphedema Skin Care

The treatment of lymphedema often focuses on controlling the swelling and on avoiding further injury to lymph vessels. This is why many patients with lymphedema know about lymphedema pumps and about the need to avoid tight clothing and compression, such as blood pressure cuffs. But excellent skin care is also an important part of lymphedema treatment. The central reason skin care is important in lymphedema is to avoid infection.

The following are several useful tips that can help lymphedema patients take better care of their skin: Use a moisturizer – Daily use of a moisturizing lotion is very important in keeping the skin elastic and healthy. We usually recommend that lymphedema patients use lotion twice a day all around the affected limb. Avoid using lotion between the toes because that could promote a fungal infection (“athlete’s foot”). Examples of moisturizing creams are Amlactin and Eucerin.

Avoid injury – The main hazard with lymphedema is skin infection. Skin injury is a way for infection to enter the body. Avoiding injury means avoiding infection. Sources of injury are all around. A common example is shaving your legs with a razor. Patients with lymphedema should use an electric mechanism.

Think about toenail hygiene – As can be seen in the picture patients with leg lymphedema may have nail changes. The toenails may thicken. Having a podiatrist take care of your toes can help you avoid much grief from accidental injury. Remember – avoid injury!

Examine your feet every day – Most people do not look at their feet. At least not every day. But foot examination can be critical in lymphedema patients. By examining your feet or having someone examine your feet every day you will find problems very early as they come and avoid severe problems from developing.

If you have questions about skin care for your lymphedema, call the Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness team at 713-623-4247, and speak with our BOC/ABC certified custom garment fitter, or one of our certified lymphedema massage therapists. We would be happy to help you find answers to your important questions!

Extensiveness of breast cancer surgery linked to risk of lymphedema

Breast cancer survivors who have extensive surgery are four times more likely to develop arm lymphedema. According to a new study, the extensiveness of surgery to treat breast cancer proportionately increases the risk of developing the debilitating disorder.

According to the lead author, Tracey DiSipio, PhD, from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, women who had undergone an axillary lymph node dissection, which is an invasive surgery to remove lymph nodes under the arm, were four times more likely to experience swollen or disfigured arms compared with women who had received a sentinel lymph node biopsy. The study was published in The Lancet Oncology.

"Arm lymphedema is typically characterized by swelling in one or both arms, causing pain, heaviness, tightness, and a decreased range of motion," DiSipio said. "The appearance of the swollen or disfigured arms provides an ever-present reminder of breast cancer and often contributes to anxiety, depression, and emotional distress in affected women."

DiSipio said the study, a systematic review of the incidence of arm lymphedema after breast cancer, also found that the condition is diagnosed in one in five women (21.4%). She explained, "This is a significant research finding and provides us with the most accurate incidence rate to date. Until now the incidence rate has been reported as anywhere from 0% to 94%. With this information we can explore whether lymphedema rates differ between breast cancer survivors."

The study also pinpointed a number of risk factors linked to arm lymphedema. Risk increased with a lack of regular physical activity and with a high body mass index. DiSipio said, "These factors are potential targets for future prevention strategies or for more effective management of the disorder."

DiSipio said the results of the study added weight to calls to integrate prospective surveillance of arm lymphedema into standard breast cancer care.

"Currently there are no standardized practices when it comes to detection and treatment of arm lymphedema," she said. "Given most patients present with the arm lymphedema within the first 2 years after breast cancer, more frequent surveillance throughout this time is recommended."

If you or a loved one is undergoing breast cancer treatment, call 713-623-4247 to schedule a free consultation with our ABC/BOC certified compression garment and mastectomy prosthesis fitter.  Kristen and our team will develop a customized approach to helping you maintain your mobility and comfort during and after your cancer treatment.

Lymphedema Best Managed Through Exercise and Complete Decongestive Therapy

From Oncology Nurse Advisor

Self-care is an essential part of treating patients with lymphedema, with full-body exercise and complete decongestive therapy being the best ways to minimize symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Nearly 40% of breast cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema, which is a chronic condition that causes body limbs to swell from fluid buildup. It is a result of lymph node removal and radiation therapy. No cure exists, so patients with the condition must find ways to manage the symptoms throughout their lifetimes.

The research team reviewed published literature about lymphedema self-management to determine which practices were most effective in managing the condition. Full-body exercise, such as weight lifting and stretching, was found likely to be effective in minimizing lymphedema symptoms. Additionally, complete decongestive therapy, which is a comprehensive treatment that incorporates skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage and bandaging of swollen limbs, also helps patients to effectively manage the condition.

“There's a sense of empowerment—of autonomy—that comes from meeting the challenge of living with lymphedema,” said Jane Armer, PhD, RN, RAAN, nursing professor at University of Missouri and an author of the studies. “Some breast cancer survivors say that they've become a new person after cancer because they met a challenge, and they like the stronger person they've become. The challenge of lymphedema is similar. It's something that is pervasive in every part of life. It takes problem solving and persistence to manage the condition without letting it interfere with their goals.”

Dr. Armer added, “Previous research suggests that, the earlier the interventions, the better the outcomes. If patients can learn how to successfully manage the condition early on, then they can continue those processes throughout their lives, and their outcomes will be better than those of [persons] who resist participating in self-care.”

Our team at Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness is ready to assist you in managing your lymphedema.  We have a certified compression garment fitter who will trouble shoot and create a custom tailored plan to best treat and manage your lymphedema.  We also have certified massage therapists and treatment specialists who can assist you with MLD and limb bandaging.  Call us today at 713-623-4247 and set up a free consultation!

Blood Test May Allow for Early Diagnosis of Lymphedema

From Oncology Nurse Advisor

Levels of a set of proteins circulating in the blood may accurately flag the presence of lymphedema, which currently is difficult to diagnose before the onset of physical symptoms.

At present, the only known way to diagnose lymphedema, an often painful inflammatory condition caused by radiation therapy for cancer, is by means of physical inspection. But by the time the main symptom of swelling of one or more limbs is detectable, the condition may be difficult or impossible to reverse with available treatment options, explained Stanley G. Rockson, MD, senior author of the study describing the new blood test, in a statement from Stanford University Medical Center in Stanford, California. Rockson is a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Noting that the biological events underlying lymphedema may be present for 5 years or more before physical symptoms indicate the presence of the disease, Rockson's group studied skin-biopsy samples from 63 persons with lymphedema and 27 healthy subjects in an attempt to discover protein analytes that could distinguish diseased tissue from healthy tissue. The researchers focused on genes that were more actively engaged in the generation of their respective protein products in lymphedema vs healthy tissue, eventually narrowing the field to six overproduced proteins through statistical modeling.

Each of the six proteins is associated with at least one of the hallmark features of chronic lymphedema: accumulation of fibrous deposits, stimulation of fat-cell activity, inflammation, and lymphatic-vessel formation. Although none of the six proteins alone was predictive of lymphedema, in aggregate their presence at certain levels and in certain ratios appeared to serve as a biomarker for the condition.

Because levels of these proteins rise early in the course of lymphedema, the biomarker panel could lead to earlier identification of lymphedema risk or onset and earlier treatment that might ease the effects of the condition or even reverse its course.

When Rockson's team evaluated the validity of the biomarker panel using blood samples from an additional cohort of 36 adults with lymphedema and 15 healthy adults, the test was nearly 90% accurate in distinguishing persons with lymphedema from healthy subjects.

If you are a cancer survivor, or are currently undergoing cancer treatment and need help with lymphedema treatment, custom compression garments or lymphedema support groups, contact our team at Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness at 713-623-4247 and schedule a free consultation.

What is the Difference Between Ready-Wear and Custom Compression Garments?

After a lymphedema diagnosis, it is imperative that you get measured by a certified compression garment fitter. Although there are compression garment shops who claim that they can fit you for a garment, be sure that the fitter has the specialized training necessary to fit you properly in the appropriate garment. Ill fitting garments can cause major setbacks in your progress towards maintaining the condition.

One major difference between ready-wear and custom compression garments is that ready-wear, or off the shelf garments, are made of lesser quality materials which include lycra or rubber. Custom compression garments use silicone and silk offering more comfort while wearing the garments.

Since ready-wear garments are available over the counter, they are tend to be less expensive, easier to replace and quicker to purchase. They are seamless and are available in a variety of lengths, compression classes and sizes, however, they may not provide enough support for your affected limbs and are not as precise in fit as a custom made garment. They also have a tendency to roll at the top of the garment.

With custom made compression garments, precise measurements are taken to ensure that your garment fits properly throughout your whole limb. They are generally made from thicker but more breathable materials. And offer better containment of the swelling than ready-wear garments. These garments can be made to accommodate any shape which is particularly helpful if a client has a disproportionate limb.

Custom made compression garments are are available in all four compression classes and can be combined with a custom toe cap if necessary. With custom compression garments, pads for extra support can be stitched into the garment as well.

The heavier knit materials provide greater stiffness resulting in greater resistance and better containment of the swelling than ready-made garments (so-called stiffness factor).

To schedule your free consultation with our BOC/ABC certified garment fitter, call 713-623-4247. Kristen can answer any questions you have about compression garments and assist you in maintaining your lymphedema.

I have lymphedema and wear compression hose during the day. Is there an alternative to bandaging at night-time?

Let's face it, managing lymphedema can be a lot of work! Luckily with the awareness of the condition, there has been a lot of advancement in the availability of alternative compression garments.

Night garments, such as JoviPak or Tribute can be described as alternative non-elastic compression garments that are made to replace bandaging in order to improve quality of life by making the process of compressing the limb at night easier and faster to apply. So for clients who are in the management phase of lymphedema therapy, rather than having to set aside the time and energy to self bandage at nighttime, you can simply don a nighttime garment, allowing you to be more compliant in your treatment.

Of course each client is different, but on average a nighttime garment should be worn for around 12 hours. It is important however to be properly fitted by a certified lymphedema therapist and to receive specific guidance on how long or often to wear the garment. 

Our goal at Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness is to help you succeed in your self-care management. If you have questions about what types of compression garments might give you more quality of life, please call us for a free consultation with our BOC/ABC certified compression fitter at 713-623-4247.  

Is it OK to exercise with lymphedema?

Yes, exercise is safe and beneficial for individuals with lymphedema, as long as a few standard guidelines are followed.

1. Always wear your compression bandages or garments when exercising – Compression garments help to move your lymph fluid from your limbs, trunk or face.  Without the garments, lymph fluid will collect in the affected area and increase swelling.
   
2. Get clearance from your doctor – As always, it’s a good idea to discuss your exercise goals with your physician and to make sure that you are in good overall health before starting an exercise program.
   
3. Start slowly – Your exercise program should include stretching, strengthening and endurance.  Some good examples of exercise programs are: Yoga, walking, swimming or cycling.  It is NOT advised to engage in high-speed activities like tennis, water skiing or football.
   
4. Hydrate – Hydration is super important to maintaining a healthy body, and even more important for people with lymphedema, as it aids in your body’s ability to expel lymph fluid.
   
5. Pay attention to your body – It is important that you feel good after exercising!  If you notice increased swelling, then you will want to choose a different activity for that day (i.e. swim instead of walk).

We want to assist you in reaching your exercise goals.  With our dedicated staff on your team, we can ensure that your custom compression garments will support you in your exercise program.

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment options.  Our certified lymphedema specialists will be happy to answer your questions about how we can help you or someone you know who have lymphedema.  Call today at 713-623-4247, or email us at Kristen@hairandwellness.com

Manage Lymphedema and Edema During the HOT Houston Summer

Lymphedema and chronic swelling patients have it especially rough during the HOT Houston summer. That’s why we work with our patients to offer cooler compression alternatives and tips.  I’m realistic when it comes to edema management during the summer and understand that patients need relief, not only from their edema, but from the heat.  So, I advocate using less aggressive garments during the heat of the day, and then wearing a lightweight night-time garment in order to keep the swelling under control.

Cooler Custom Garment Alternatives

One option for upper body edema is LympheDIVAS arm sleeves.  These arm sleeves are made with moisture-wicking technology, which pulls sweat away from the body.  They are also infused with aloe vera so that the arm stays moisturized and cool.  LympheDIVAS arm sleeves come in a variety of fun patterns and colors too.

A good option for a night time garment during the summer heat is the Tribute garment.  This garment is ideal for any type of edema (upper body lymphedema or lower body lymphedema).   It also has a wicking material and the foam multi-directionally pushes into the skin to move the fluid while you sleep.

Exercise Alternatives

Another thing I really encourage all of our patients to do is get into a pool.  Why?  Well, first, you do not have to wear garments and second, the water acts as a natural compression to the limbs.  It is also the best exercise for anyone as it takes the strain off of your joints.

If you would like more information about our custom garments, please call me at 713-623-4247.  We want to work with you to stay cooler in the summer heat while managing your lymphedema!

Have a question?  Contact me at kristen@hairandwellness.com