Physical exercises can help cure Lymphedema

A small amount of this fluid leaks from the artery and escapes into surrounding connective tissues. This fluid rich in protein is collected by the lymphatic system and it drains it back to the circulatory system. The total lymph fluid returned to circulation is 2000 – 5000 ml per day. The lymphatic system comprises the lymphatic pre collectors, lymphatics and lymph nodes.

Medicos say that the lymph vessels run very close to the blood vessels and carry the lymph fluid from the tissues into the blood after passing through the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes work as filters to fight infection and help regulate swelling. Any problem in the lymphatic system leads to accumulation of lymph fluids in the connective tissue of the body leading to lymphedema. This commonly occurs is the lower limbs and upper limbs.

The common causes of Lymphedema are post-cancer surgery and radiation, parasitic infection such as filariasis or elephantiasis and Congenital causes which is lymphatic abnormality from birth.

“There are 4 Stages of Lymphedema starting from subtle reversible swelling of the limb to massive irreversible enlargement of the affected limb, generally referred as elephantiasis. According to recent research exercise and walking helps lymph move through the lymphatic system. This might help reduce swelling. Exercise makes the muscles contract and pushes lymph through the lymph vessels,” said Dr Selva Seetharaman, head of department, Institute of Plastic Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgery, Gleneagles Global Health City.

Exercises have other benefits. They can help you to keep a full range of movement and make you feel better.

Apart from the swelling, lymphedema can cause recurrent infection, ulceration, fluid discharge from the leg; changes in skin colour and texture, deformity of toes, fouodour and rarely lead to cancer in the affected skin. The condition also restricts the person to socialise. In cases of extreme lymphedema, the swelling is so massive that confines the person to bed.

Traditionally Lymphedema is managed conservatively with anti – Edemamedications, antibiotics, specialised lymphatic draining manoeuvres - “Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD & CDT)”. Apart from this, there are surgical treatment appeared is advance cases like bulk reduction and Nodovenousshunt.

However, there are advanced infrared camera for lymphatic mapping and high magnification microscopes available, many novel procedures are available for the management of lymphedema.

“While physical exercises and stretching can help to cure the issue. There are various microsurgery techniques that can be used to performing the various procedures including free vascularised lymph node transfer, lymphatico venous shunt and lymphatic vessel transfer for Lymphedema,” said physiotherapist G Radhika.

Doctors say that newer procedures offer greater hopes to the management of lymphedema. There is also Literature evidence shows that these procedures also reduces the chances of recurrent infection and with proper care prevent swelling.