Treatment Options
The goal of treatment for lymphedemaa chronic, abnormal swelling of a part of the body. It is an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the superficial tissues that most commonly occurs in the arms or legs but can affect any part of the body. is to reduce the swelling and then to maintain that reduction.
The preferred treatment for lymphedema is complete decongestive therapythe gold standard treatment for lymphedema. It includes manual lymph drainage, compression therapy, meticulous skin care and exercise. (CDT), though compression pumps, surgery and medication are occasionally used. Because the latter methods frequently result in further degeneration, TLC only recommends and uses CDT.
It is important that treatment is given by a certified lymphedema therapist. Poor treatment can cause further complications and advancement of the lymphedema.