You Asked For It!

My therapist tells me that hot packs can have a negative effect on swelling. Is an ice pack OK?

Good question. Both heat and cold have the effect of bringing blood into the effected area, and while this may feel good at the time it is contraindicated for people with lymphedema. Blood after all is the vehicle which brings the fluid into our limbs. For people with lymphedema this can only add to fluid already trapped there. That is why both heat and cold are not recommended.

Why are these wounds so hard to heal? How can I help them heal faster?

Ulcers in the leg can be very difficult to deal with and often are slow to heal because there is swelling present in the limb. The blood is responsible for bringing the nourishment to the skin and often times the limb is swollen and blocks good blood flow. Wounds heal from the inside out. Even the antibiotics the Doctor may have given you will simply not be able to get close enough to be of help. That is why making the limb smaller, with a compression garment, will speed healing. Keep your socks on!

My therapist has suggested moderate exercise? What exactly is moderate!

What is a moderate level of exercise to one person may be a dangerous level to another. That is why this is a question best left to your Doctor or health care professional. If someone has not exercised in some years your doctor may suggest a stress test to see exactly what you can tolerate. He or she will then be able to give you the safe guidelines you need to get started. We all know that people of any age and condition can benefit from a sensible exercise program. Start today!

Read more about the benefits of exercise for patients with edema and lymphedema.

What is Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy and why does is sound so serious?

Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP) is the overall treatment plan for improving your lymph flow. CPD consists of five steps.

1. Skin care
2. Manual lymph drainage
3. Compression bandages or garments
4. Exercise
5. Education and self treatment

Complete decongestive physiotherapy represents a major advance in lymphedema treatment. You can become quite the expert at home care and improve your quality of life and reduce the chance of infection. It is serious work but it is worth it!

I have a special occasion coming up. Do I have to wear my stocking all the time?

Always consult your doctor or therapist for guidelines on wearing your garment.

• Generally stockings or sleeves are worn from first thing in the morning on rising until bed time.
• Stockings or sleeves should always be worn when exercising.
• It is not necessary to wear garments in the during water exercise since the compression of the water is sufficient to maintain the limb.
• If you feel it is necessary to take a break from compression during the day always elevate the limb so that swelling stays under control.
• It is recommended that compression garments not be worn at night. If night compression is necessary it is always best to ask your therapist’s advice about bandaging.

What is the difference between arteries and veins?

The blood vessels which take the fresh blood out from the heart to nourish the body are called arteries.

The blood vessels which move the blood back to the heart after use are called veins. Veins have tiny valves which prevent the blood from flowing backwards.

Compression garments help push veins closer together so that the whole system works better when you have your stockings or sleeve on.

John Wellum, CPD

*Important: We are smarter than to try to practice medicine without a license! The information presented on this site is for informational purposes only. New medical information is available weekly - so check with your doctor and therapist before making any changes to your treatment!