Are You at Risk for Lymphedema: Here’s Everything You Should Know

If you recognize somebody who has lymphedema, you understand how frightening and inconvenient it can be, particularly when the symptoms are severe. If you are unfamiliar with lymphedema, it is a disorder in which your legs, toes, fingers and/or arms swell. Inflammation is usually restricted to one leg or arm, but it could also affect both sides. So, you might be wondering what triggers Tamarac lymphedema and if you are vulnerable to developing it. One of the elements of successful treatment is prompt diagnosis. Thus, the expert podiatrists at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center want you to be well-informed and prepared to seek therapy if symptoms emerge. Continue reading to learn more.

What Are The Common Reasons For Lymphedema?

The lymphatic system circulates lymph fluid across the body while also filtering bacteria, viruses, and other wastes. Blockages occur when lymph nodes are injured or surgically eliminated, preventing the fluid from draining and causing lymphedema.

There are two forms of lymphedema; primary and secondary. Every condition has its own set of potential triggers.

v  Primary Lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is an uncommon, hereditary illness caused by abnormal lymph vessel growth. It could strike at any age without notice. This category includes three different conditions:

  • Meige disease: happens whenever lymphatic fluid is carried incorrectly, resulting in the accumulation of lymphatic fluid and accompanying inflammation of the lower limbs. It usually occurs during pregnancy or around puberty.
  • Milroy’s illness: promotes aberrant lymph node development and is present during birth or develops during childhood
  • Delayed lymphedema: develops after 35 years

v  Secondary Lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema is triggered by an inherent health concern. It may at times be an adverse effect of some surgeries, specifically those entailing the elimination of lymph nodes and vessels, such as breast cancer surgery. This condition could develop right after surgery or take months or years to show.

Sadly, cancer patients may have tumors developing within the vessels or lymph nodes, obstructing lymphatic fluid movement. What’s more, folks receiving radiation cancer therapy are in danger of lymphedema since the radiation can damage lymph vessels and nodes.

Moreover, lymphedema can arise from a parasite infection within your lymph nodes that obstructs the lymphatic fluid passage. This type of illness is most widespread in subtropical or tropical areas like Africa, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, South America, and Asia.

What Are The Risk Factors For Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can be triggered by factors, including, but are not limited to:

  • Infections
  • Obesity
  • Individual history of infections
  • Cancer afflicting your lymph nodes
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery involving your lymph nodes
  • Inactivity
  • Congenital defects
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency
  • Genetic predisposition to chronic inflammation

It is essential to realize that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily imply getting lymphedema. Understanding what to watch out for and how to lower your risk is ideal.

Routine exercise at a comfortable tempo for you, appropriate skin care to prevent skin infections, addressing traumas immediately to alleviate or prevent inflammation, and sustaining a healthy weight are all excellent strategies to mitigate your danger of lymphedema.

Do not delay seeking professional care, whether you identify any risk factors or simply suspect you have lymphedema. At Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, the certified podiatrists and foot & ankle surgeons offer an accurate diagnosis of your concerns and offer solutions, ranging from light exercises and pneumatic compression to massage and, if necessary, surgery. Call the office near you or request an appointment online to learn more.

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