Compression Garments & Bandages for Lymphedema

Many people are there who have suffered from cancer of the head and neck and other types of cancer. Such people are more prone to getting lymphedema. They are the people in whose body the lymphatic fluids get collected in various parts of the body like that of hands, arms, joints, knees, nape, etc. It mostly happens because of the irregularities of the lymphatic system. Therefore, one of the best ways to stop this accumulation of lymphatic fluids in the various parts of the body, patients is advised to use compression garments. Only through a compression garment can this fluid collection be stopped.

Compression Garments – 

So, compression garments for lymphedema are very important for such people. One of the things that you will know about compression garments is that compression garments are made of a highly elastic material. Other materials with which the compression garment is made up are cotton, latex, and many others are there. It is because the compression garments are made of elastic, that they are tightly fit in the areas where there is swelling inflammation, or discomfort. It is because of the cancers of the breast, head, and neck that people face lymphedema.

Stage 2 or 3 of Lymphedema – 

One of the best ways to stop swelling is to use compression garments. If you are in stage 2 or 3 of lymphedema, then you should see a doctor. You may require a nice hot massage or physiotherapy in that particular affected area to stop the lymphedema. But for that, you should consult with your doctor. Most of the time, the doctors suggest the patients use a compression garment for healing the affected part, which is due to the swelling. Apart from that, the compression garment can also give one relief from swelling, inflammation, and discomfort in the affected areas.

Different forms of Compression Garments –

Compression garments come in different therapeutic forms. If you check online or in the market, you will get compression garments for sleeves, and then you get a different garment for legs, ankle, knees, joints, etc. For other body parts, like that of the chest, you will get a different type of compression garment. Some compression garments are specially designed for the forearm and calf for the lower edges. If you want a compression garment for the entire leg, then you can get that also. Different compression garments are available but for all the garments, only the word compression garment is used and there is no specific name for the same.

Bandages for Lymphedema – 

If you do not like compression garments, then you can use lymphedema bandages also. Bandages also are available for a compression garments. You can easily modify these bandages and use them in the areas like ankles wrists and others. It is very pivotal for the patients to use compression garments that are safe, healthy, and hygienic. For hygiene reasons or purposes, it is important that patients use the compression garments for 2 months and change after that. Many times patients use the garments for up to 6-7 months, which is unhygienic and worsens the case of your lymphedema.

Lymphedema Worsens – How – 

How it worsens your lymphedema – If you wear compression garment sleeves that are too tight or loose, or fit inappropriately, then due to the less pressure or high pressure the fluid backup can worsen. This can worsen the case of lymphedema in patients. So, you should use an aptly fit compression garment that too for 2 months, because the elastic starts getting loose after 2 months, so in order to avoid the improper build-up of pressure it is important that you change the lymphedema compression garments at the max of 3 months.