Lymphedema Related Wounds

About 10 million people in the United States live with lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling due to problems with the lymphatic system. There’s no cure, but treatment can ease symptoms, including lymphedema-related wounds. At Midwest Wellness and Wound Care, mobile wound care specialists offer advanced treatments for such wounds in patients’ homes. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What are lymphedema-related wounds?

Lymphedema is a swelling that occurs in various areas of the body because of an ineffective lymphatic system, a part of the body that collects excess fluids and toxins from your tissues. When this system doesn’t work efficiently, fluid can accumulate in the body and cause swelling. It often affects your arms and legs and can lead to lymphedema-related wounds.

What are the symptoms of lymphedema?

Symptoms of lymphedema and lymphedema-related wounds may include:

• Arm, leg, and foot swelling
• Nonhealing wounds 
• Infections 
• Pus
• Skin discoloration 
• Arms or legs that are different sizes
• Puffy, red, or painful skin
• Tight or inflexible joints
• Heavy feeling in your legs or arms
• Tight-fitting clothing caused by swelling
• Burning
• Itching
• Thicker-looking skin

Symptoms caused by lymphedema might develop slowly or appear suddenly. 

What may increase the risk of lymphedema-related wounds?

Risk factors for developing lymphedema include:

• Pelvic or breast cancer surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Tumors
• Infections 
• Trauma
• Heart conditions
• Kidney disease
• Blood vessel problems

Seeking treatment for lymphedema helps lessen the chance of lymphedema-related wounds. But if you develop wounds, the experts at Midwest Wellness and Wound Care offer highly effective treatments through convenient in-home care.

How are lymphedema-related wounds diagnosed?

Your Midwest Wellness and Wound Care provider examines your wound, reviews your medical history, and discusses your symptoms. They may take a biopsy or recommend a Doppler ultrasound, MRI, or another imaging procedure to determine the severity of the wound. 

How are lymphedema-related wounds treated?

Your individualized lymphedema treatment may consist of:

• Wound assessments and personalized care plans
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Exercise
• Elevating the affected limbs
• Caregiver education and training
• Chronic disease management and medication review
• Care coordination with physicians and facilities
• Intravenous (IV), oral, or topical medications 
• Negative pressure wound therapy
• Compression therapy
• Edema management
• Infection management and antibiotics coordination
• Debridement and wound cleansing
• Advanced dressings and skin substitutes
• Skin grafts and other ulcer treatments
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy 
• Surgical procedures

Ways to reduce the risk of lymphedema-related wounds include managing swelling, seeking treatment early, maintaining a healthy weight, and adopting healthy habits like staying active and eating nutritious foods. It’s also helpful to wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid sitting for long periods.

Schedule a lymphedema-related wound evaluation at Midwest Wellness and Wound Care by calling the office or booking a visit online today.