What is Edema?
Edema is the medical term for swelling. It is a general response of the body to injury or inflammation. Edema can be isolated to a small area or affect the entire body. Medications, infections, pregnancy, and many medical problems can cause edema. A physician consultation is important to know the underlying cause of your swelling. Untreated, long standing edema (chronic) can lead to infections, immobility and lifestyle changes.
What is the Lymph System?
The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and consists of a series of channels and tubes that drain fluid from tissues. Bacteria, cancer cells and other waste are picked up in the lymphatic fluid (called lymph) and filtered in the lymph nodes before being returning back into the circulation system.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an abnormal collection of high-protein fluid (lymph) just beneath the skin. This swelling, or edema, occurs most commonly in the arm or leg, but also may occur in other parts of the body including the breast or trunk, head and neck, or genitals.
What causes Lymphedema?
Lymphedema usually develops when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes are removed (secondary lymphedema) but can also be present when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired due to hereditary condition (primary lymphedema).
Do I have Lymphedema?
If you're experiencing any of the below, then contact us about an appointment.
Full or heavy sensation in the limb(s)
Tightness of the skin or tissue
Decreased flexibility in the hand/wrist/foot/ankle
Difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency? (CVI)
Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have difficulty sending blood from the legs back to the heart. Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term condition.
What causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency? (CVI)
It is most commonly due to malfunctioning (incompetent) valves in the veins. It may also occur as the result of a past blood clot in the legs.
Do I have Chronic Venous Insufficiency? (CVI)
If you're experiencing any of the below, then contact us about an appointment.
Dull aching, heaviness, or cramping in legs
Pain that gets worse when standing
Swelling of the legs
Redness of the legs and ankles
Skin color changes around the ankles
Thickening and hardening of the skin on the legs and ankles (lipodermatosclerosis)
Open sores or weeping on the legs and ankles
A wound that is slow to heal on the legs or ankles
What happens if I don't treat it?
Left untreated, Edema can lead to chronic sores, immobility, infections, and negatively impact quality of life.
What is Edema Charities?
This is our effort to provide services to those without the means to pay for them. This effort will be launching shortly!