What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is an accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissues that causes swelling and discomfort that compromises the immune system.
It can develop after an injury to the lymphatics (i.e., post-surgery, radiotherapy) or due to a congenital dysfunctional lymphatic system. Affected tissues can become hard (fibrous) and accumulate fatty deposits.
With appropriate management and treatment, the earlier the better, lymphoedema can be controlled and the undesirable effects kept to a minimum.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The role of the lymphatic system is to maintain the right fluid balance in the tissues, remove waste, transport nutrients as well as destroy bacteria, viruses and damaged cells from the tissues. It plays a crucial role in the immune system filtering the lymph in the lymph nodes and circulating immune cells around the whole body. The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels and lymph nodes as well as lymphoid tissues such as the thymus or the spleen.
If the lymphatic system is compromised in some form the lymph flow can become stagnant in any part of the body resulting in lymphoedema. Causes include cancer treatments, surgery, trauma, cellulitis, immobility, related conditions such as lipoedema but it can also be caused by a congenital malformation of the lymph vessels, known as primary lymphoedema.
Symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Heaviness of limbs
- Tightness of skin
- Pins and needles or aching
- Hardened areas
- Stiff and/or painful joints
Lymphoedema is a progressive condition that can be managed through appropriate exercise, compression, manual lymphatic drainage and an overall healthy lifestyle.
Treatment
The Tasmanian Lymphoedema and Laser Therapy Centre offers photobiomodulation therapy using a low-level laser machine as well as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and individualised education on self-care and further activities to improve the quality of life.
For more information see our link to Treatments.
Feel free to contact a therapist for information.
Learn more
Cancer Council – Understanding Lymphoedema