If you are affected by lymphedema, then you have surely noticed how how your daily life has changed: physical transformations, new challenges and perhaps even restrictions are suddenly part of your everyday life. Maybe you are also noticed that you don't always receive the understanding and help from your environment you receive what you wish for. This is often because this condition in is not yet sufficiently informed in our society.

Together we have the opportunity to make a change here. We want that Raise awareness of the disease lymphedema by addressing the causes address symptoms and provide practical tips for everyday life. In this way, we want to contribute to improving your well-being and to to make your everyday life easier.

What are the causes of lymphedema?

Lymphedema can affect the lives of those affected and occur in two different forms: primary and secondary lymphedema. The causes for both forms can be different, and here we want them in a light Explain in an understandable way.

• Primary lymphedema

  Primary lymphedemas are caused by congenital problems in the lymphatic system that can occur in different ways. These include, for example, not sufficient lymphatic vessels, missing lymph nodes, or unusually shaped lymphatic vessels.

  Sometimes these problems are hereditary, but often they are random Changes in the genetic material that lead to an incomplete development of the lead to lymphatic systems. It is important to know that primary lymphedemas are very can be different and the symptoms vary from person to person can.

• Secondary lymphedema

  Most lymphedemas, about 95 percent, are secondary lymphedemas. They arise in the course of life due to damage to the lymphatic system, often as a result from medical procedures such as surgeries or radiation in Cancer therapies. A tumor itself can also be the trigger for a secondary Be lymphedema.

  During an operation to remove a tumor, sometimes the nearby lymph nodes removed. This can affect lymph flow and cause secondary lymphedema. Radiation therapy in cancer treatment can also damage the lymph nodes and vessels, as well as large Surgical procedures after a serious accident.

  In some cases, a secondary lymphedema can also occur without surgeries or Irradiation occurs when a cancerous tumor affects the existing lymphatic pathways compressed or completely destroyed. In such situations, it is referred to as a so-called malignant lymphedema.

Signs of lymphedema

Typical signs of lymphedema are swelling in the affected areas Parts of the body that may initially improve when you elevate your legs. When you press on the swollen areas, a small dent remains. Affected individuals may also feel a heaviness, tension, or pressure sensation, faster become tired and changes in skin moisture as well as an increased tendency to notice bruises.

The swelling may start in the morning and worsen throughout the day. In In an advanced stage, the skin can harden and skin folds or - furrows can become deeper. In secondary lymphedema, there may also be an increased blood circulation occurs, causing blood vessels to be clearly visible under the swollen and hardened skin may become visible. In the case of a malignant lymphedema, which caused by a cancerous tumor, can result in severe pain, paralysis, and open sores (ulcerations) are added.

There are many other signs that may indicate a lymphedema, and it is important to recognize them. Here are some possible symptoms:

• Heavy and aching legs

• Tight clothing or jewelry that is uncomfortable on hands or feet are

• A heavy and tense feeling as well as pain or discomfort in the affected area

• Hardened, tense skin that may exhibit wart-like growths and skin folds, and may become discolored or reddened

• Sometimes fluid can leak from the skin (lymphorrhea)

• Skin infections, such as erysipelas, may occur

• Limited mobility and freedom of movement of the affected body part

It is important to know that the symptoms of lymphedema over time may vary. Without treatment, swelling can remain permanent and the affected body part may feel hard and firm, without the Swelling goes down overnight. If you suspect you have lymphedema could, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and the to begin the best possible treatment.

Diagnostic procedures

When diagnosing lymphedema, your doctor will first review your medical history and consider possible operations. Then he examines the affected area to look for typical swelling and skin changes Looking out. By palpating the edema, the doctor can determine whether the Tissue is already hardened.

Another diagnostic method is the so-called Stemmer's sign, where the doctor tries to lift the skin on the tops of your fingers or toes. to see if wrinkles form. A nuclear medicine examination, such as the Lymphoscintigraphy can help visualize lymphatic drainage and possible drainage obstructions.

Depending on the suspected cause, further examinations may be necessary for example, a magnetic resonance imaging with contrast agent (CM-MRI) or a genetic clarification. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to slow the progression of lymphedema and To avoid complications.

• Compression therapy: This involves applying light pressure to the lymphatic vessels using Exerted by compression stockings or arm bandages.

• Lymphatic drainage: This is a special massage technique that is conducted by trained physiotherapists. It aims to to improve disturbed lymph flow and the accumulation of fluid in the tissue to reduce.

  A variant of lymphatic drainage is the glide wave massage. This is performed by special devices are used and promote blood circulation through pressure waves and the lymph flow. Especially with medically certified devices, significant Effects can be observed. They can reduce swelling, relieve pain as well as transport accumulated fluid away from the tissue.

• Movement training: Targeted training supports the muscles, which act like a Pump supports the lymphatic vessels in the removal of tissue fluid. Suitable sports include swimming, cycling, or walking. Yoga and stretching exercises can also be helpful. However, avoid sports with jerky movements of the affected arm or leg, like tennis, soccer, Rowing, mountaineering, and skiing.

• Skincare is important to keep the affected skin areas supple and to keep maintained.

• There are no medications that act directly against lymphedema. Dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or bromelain can in may be useful in some cases, as they help to inhibit inflammation that are associated with lymphedema, but it is recommended to consult before taking to speak with a doctor.

Some additional therapeutic approaches such as deep oscillation or Dietary supplements can be helpful, but should always be consulted with a doctor to be discussed. If conservative measures are not sufficient, a surgical procedure can be considered Consideration can be given. Various methods can be applied in the process, depending on the cause of the lymphedema. Liposuction or reduction of the Affected areas can also be helpful in some cases.

For people with lymphedema, there are some general self-care tips and coping with everyday life to better control the lymphedema:

• Orthopedic insoles have proven to be very helpful support for flat feet or splay feet.

• Being overweight can worsen the symptoms of lymphedema, so it would be advisable to pay attention to a healthy diet and perform the recommended exercises to reach the ideal weight.

• It is also helpful to avoid sauna visits, sunbathing, tanning beds, infrared radiation, and hot baths.

• If you have a planned pregnancy, it would be advisable to consult a vascular specialist.

• To prevent frost damage, you should protect yourself from the cold.

• It is also advisable to avoid prolonged and severe bending of the legs and crossing the legs, as this can also worsen the symptoms.

• Kneading massages of the leg are not recommended.

• It would be advisable to avoid medical procedures on the affected leg such as injections, blood and tissue samples, acupuncture, and strenuous physiotherapy unless they are absolutely necessary.

• It can also be very helpful and soothing to elevate the affected leg at night.

• To achieve a comfortable wearing experience, we recommend wearing comfortable underwear with legs and avoiding tight-fitting briefs or belts.

• It would also be advisable to get used to new shoes carefully and to avoid tight or high-heeled shoes, as these can worsen the symptoms. Outside the home, you should rather not go barefoot.

It is important to be well informed about lymphedema and to know how to Coping with everyday life with this condition. Personal responsibility and suitable aids can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. Regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and suitable wellness applications such as the glide wave massage are crucial for the relief of symptoms.

If you need more information or are seeking professional help, there are Specialists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists are available. Let yourself be Experts advise to find out which measures are suitable for your individual Together we can improve the quality of life of Support and improve the lives of people with lymphedema in their daily activities.