Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive disease associated with impaired lymph flow. It occurs due to insufficiency of the lymphatic system and can affect both the lower and upper extremities. Left untreated, it leads not only to discomfort, but also to serious complications such as inflammation, elephantiasis and secondary infections.
What is lymphedema? It is a chronic stagnation of lymph (lymph) in the intercellular space, which leads to an increase in the volume of a particular part of the body - usually the arms or legs. When the lymph vessels do not drain the lymph properly, lymph builds up in the subcutaneous tissue.
There are two main types:
How to recognize lymphedema? At first it manifests itself as a soft swelling (known as pasty edema), usually of the upper or lower limb. Over time, the swelling becomes hard and more permanent.
What is the danger of untreated lymphedema? Chronic lymphatic stasis leads to impaired blood supply, inflammation and severe deformities of the limb (elephantiasis). Lymphosarcoma - a rare but aggressive cancer - can also occur.
Incorrect treatment or lack of treatment worsens the quality of life and increases the risk of complications, so it is worthwhile to quickly diagnose lymphedema and use appropriate therapeutic methods.
Treatment of lymphedema is a long-term process, but it allows to significantly improve the comfort of life. It includes various forms of therapy:
A non-invasive anti-edema method that supports the treatment of lymphedema through mechanical tissue massage. It improves lymph and venous blood flow, reduces lymphatic stasis and promotes lymphatic drainage. The endermologie treatment also stimulates tissue regeneration, increasing tissue elasticity and reducing the feeling of heaviness in the extremities.