By Alyssa Parker –
The field of medicine is growing rapidly as new treatments come into production. One of the most common misdiagnosed conditions is chronic swelling; edema. For those of you who experience swelling, or a feeling of heaviness, aching, or painful fluid retention in a limb on a daily basis, you should not overlook these symptoms as trivial. Any of these symptoms are potential red flags to your body’s response to a serious underlying condition that should not go untreated. Common conditions misdiagnosed as edema are lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency. Patients who have these conditions are at a higher risk of an infection, e.g. Cellulitis. Cellulitis may occur when normal skin flora enters a break in the skin, individuals may then experience a burning sensation, swelling, or edema.
This article should help you identify possible medical conditions that are pertinent to you. Locating an appropriate treatment may offer you a better quality of life.
Understanding how your body works and possible causes for fluid retention
The lymphatic system serves as one of the body’s main highways through its network of vessels and ducts. It works as a filtration system for body fluid entering into the blood stream. This fluid is referred to as “lymph” fluid, which is the interstitial fluid consisting of proteins, wastes, and a collection of white blood cells. The kidneys, skin, lungs, or intestines then eliminate the wastes that have been filtered out of the lymphatic vessels. If the lymphatic system is obstructed causing damage, blocked, or developed abnormally, protein-rich fluid accumulates in the tissues. The potential result may be chronic swelling known as Lymphedema.
The venous system is comprised of two parts, deep circulation and superficial circulation which are interconnected by perforating veins. The venous system is an important component to your body’s circulatory system delivering blood to the heart then passing back through the lungs to obtain oxygen to deliver back to the lower limbs of the body. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) involving both parts of the venous system is caused by incompetent valves and venous hypertension. Patients may experience swelling, discoloration and skin ulceration. Chronic skin ulcerations are common due to the low oxygen making it difficult to heal.
Key Treatment Options
Lymphedema and CVI may cause irreversible damage to the body if not treated appropriately in an efficient manner. Common conservative treatments are limb elevation, massage, stockings, and exercise. A Lymphedema compression pump is a safe noninvasive way to assist your body’s circulatory system via compression therapy. It moves the lymph fluid which has accumulated in the limb while assisting other parts of the circulatory system. Without compression treatment, individuals endure painful swelling, non-healing wounds, heaviness, and dis-comfort decreased mobility. The compression pump is a gentle massaging technique that compresses in a rythmatic cycle, similar to that of a normally functioning circulatory system that has not been damaged. The compression pump is also beneficial to patients with reduced strength and dexterity who have a difficult time getting extremely tight compression stockings on each leg. The garment sleeves that attach to the pump are quick and easy to put on. If you’re experiencing swelling and discomfort in a limb, don’t let it go untreated. Seek help today. Our company’s highly trained staff will assist you in finding the appropriate treatment that will offer a better quality of life.
For more information, contact the experts at Acute Wound Care today by calling 1-877-262-3226. Or Google www.AcuteWoundCare.com.