Lymphedema can be reduced and controlled by a compression. It is accomplished by preventing lymph fluid accumulation and assisting the fluid's movement to a draining area. It also provides support that aids in the removal of fluid from the muscles. Compression garments come in a variety of pressure levels or grades. The type of garment needed will be determined by the amount of swelling and area affected.

#1. What are Compression Stockings for Lymphedema?

Lymphedema compression garments are used to treat the area affected due to Lymphedema. It comes in various sizes and fits. One can choose according to their comfort. It's vital that your garment is fitted by someone who is experienced with measuring and fitting compression garments. A compression garment may be prescribed and fitted by your lymphedema specialist.

#2. What are the Types of Lymphedema Compression Stockings?

Depending upon the swelling and area affected the following categories of compression garments are listed-

1. Sleeves for swollen arms

2. Stockings for swollen legs

3. Garments for lymphedema in the fingers or toes

4. A compression bra or vest for lymphoedema around the breast or chest area

5. Garments for lymphedema that affects the genital areas.

#3. What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a condition wherein lymph accumulates in the fatty tissues beneath the skin. The arms swell as a result of this. Secondary lymphoedema occurs when lymph nodes are resected together with the tumour in cancer patients. Lymphoma affects roughly 30% of women who have had breast cancer and are undergoing treatment. Lymphoedema can develop right after surgery (short-term lymphoedema) or months later (long-term lymphoedema) (long-term).

#4. How can Lymphoedema Stockings help?

Lymphedema compression stockings and sleeves help to:

1. Put an end to it- the flow of lymphatic fluid from torn lymph vessels.

2. Fibrosis should be softened (which is a hardening of the limb with resulting restriction of circulatory flow)

3. Reduce the buildup of lymphatic fluid (by forcing a flow through the limb).

#5. When can a person wear them?

Lymphedema can be classified into the following stages:

1. Stage 1: The condition causes the arm to expand and feel heavy at this stage. When you press on it, it makes a dent.

2. Stage 2: The arm swells and may feel hard at this stage. The arm does not leave a dent when pressed.

3. Stage 3: Known as lympho-static elephantiasis, this stage causes the arm to become substantially larger than normal. In the case of breast cancer, stage 3 occurs in a small percentage of cases.

People with mild stage 1 lymphedema can benefit from compression sleeves. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) may help people with stage 2 or 3 lymphedema reduce swelling at first. A compression sleeve could then be used. Compression sleeves are available in a variety of styles for use both during the day and at night. Daytime sleeves are tighter, and nighttime sleeves are a little looser.

#6. Can I Wear them Daily?

Some people only need to use a compression sleeve when their lymphedema flares up, while others need to wear one all the time. Compression sleeves are safe to wear on a regular basis. A doctor or lymphatic specialist can advise you on the optimum compression sleeve regimen and whether or not to wear one at night. If it is necessary to wear one overnight, experts recommend getting separate sleeves for daytime and nighttime use.

Compression sleeves are sold as manufactured medical devices in a variety of sizes, and they can also be custom fitted. We at Sehaaonline provide the finest range of compression stockings in various brands and fits.

#7. How Tight should Compression Garments be?

Lymphedema compression sleeves should be snug enough to assist lymph flow up into the shoulder, but not so tight that they produce numbness or tingling. A lymphedema therapist or a durable medical equipment firm can help a person find the right sleeve. These experts can also take measurements for a custom sleeve if necessary.

#8. What are the Tips for Putting on and Removing Compression Garments?

1. Put on your garment first thing in the morning, when the limb is the smallest. After a shower or bath, it's advisable to wait a few minutes. It can be difficult to put on if your skin is moist.

2. Pull the cloth over your hand or foot, one bit at a time, and ease it up. Make sure you're not pulling the clothing up by the top.

3. The top should not be turned or rolled over. This will create greater edema by restricting blood flow.

4. Applying a small amount of unscented talc to your arm or leg can make the garment easier to put on. There are also a variety of items available to assist in putting on and taking off clothing. Your lymphoedema specialist will be able to provide you with supplier information.

5. When your clothing is on, make sure the material is evenly distributed and there are no creases. A rubber glove can assist you in putting on the garment and smoothing out any creases. If you're wearing an arm sleeve, place the glove on the other hand.

6. After you remove your garment at night, moisturise your skin. Do not do this in the morning because cream makes it difficult to put on the sleeve or stocking.

#9. How to Know if the Garment is Tight?

If you have been fitted with a garment and there is sensation, the garment can be too tight. Signs of this can be:

1. Numbness

2. Pins and needles

3. Pain

4. A change of colour of your fingers or toes.

If you have any of these symptoms, remove the garment immediately and get guidance from a lymphedema specialist. To avoid this, it is important that you properly measure and fit it.

#10. Is it Safe to Wear Compression Garments?

Compression sleeves are a snug elasticized material that covers the arm from the wrist to the shoulder. It's tighter at the bottom than at the top to encourage lymph flow to the arm and into the armpit lymph nodes. Many people will need to wear compression sleeves day and night, and there are different types of sleeves for each. During the day, the sleeves are tighter and allow for movement. Sleeves for the night are thicker and usually include some foam or padding. On the outside, there may be straps that allow the wearer to tighten and relax the sleeve. Overall, these benefit the individual suffering from Lymphoedema.