March is Lymphedema Awareness Month — and at HealthQuest, we’re recognizing it in a big way.
We are offering free consultations with our certified lymphedema therapist, who can complete an assessment and help you determine if you have chronic swelling or lymphedema.
Lymphedema is an abnormal collection of protein-rich fluid. The swelling most commonly occurs in the arms, legs, hands and feet, but it can be present in any part of the body.
Lymphedema can result when there is a blockage in, or damage to, the lymphatic system, or when the lymph nodes are removed. A blockage, damage, or absence of nodes can cause lymph fluid to become stagnant, unable to drain properly, causing a buildup, known as secondary lymphedema. Edema can also be present when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired because of a hereditary condition, known as primary lymphedema.
Lymphedema, while a lifelong condition, can be managed well with an early diagnosis and a regime of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).
CDT is generally completed in two phases. Phase 1 is an intensive phase carried out by a certified lymphedema therapist. Phase 2 is the maintenance phase in which the client continues therapy at home, which consists of manual lymph drainage, meticulous skin and nail care, gentle exercises and regular compression therapy.
Signs and symptoms of lymphedema:
- Swelling in any body part that can be sudden, gradual or occasional
- Feeling of heaviness, achiness or heat in the affected body part
- Feeling that skin is tight or being stretched
- Difficulty moving the affected area
- Recurrent infections
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area
- Thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
Stages of Lymphedema
Stage 0 — latent/early stage:
There are either no visible signs or very subtle signs in this stage, but clients may describe feelings of heaviness or achiness in the affected area. This stage may occur for months or years before visible swelling is noticeable.
Stage 1— mild:
Edema is visible at this stage and can still be reversed if treatment is initiated. The swelling is soft and will indent with pressure (also known as pitting). Clients may notice their swelling will reduce if they elevate the affected area at night.
Stage 2 — moderate:
Swelling cannot be reversed in this stage, so elevating the affected area will no longer be effective. In the later part of Stage 2, indentation is no longer possible as skin changes are beginning to occur, such as hardening of the skin and buildup of fatty tissue.
Stage 3 — severe/advanced:
Swelling is extreme and uncontrolled. The skin is hardened and pitting is no longer possible. Other skin changes may include excessive dryness and thickness.
While it is difficult to say how many people struggle with lymphedema, two recognized Canadian experts in lymphedema, Dr. David Keast and Dr. Anna Towers, published an article in 2017 which states that the prevalence rate for this chronic disease potentially tops one million Canadians (based on a population of 38 million).
We currently employ a certified lymphedema therapist at our St. John’s location, as well as experienced compression garment fitters at both our St. John’s and Grand Falls-Windsor locations. Our compression garment fitters are experts in the measurement and fitting of custom compression garments to provide our clients with a full range of lymphedema services.
We work closely with several reputable compression garment manufacturers to ensure every client gets the exact compression and support they need. We also work with the provincial lymphedema association (LANL — Lymphedema Association of Newfoundland and Labrador— www.lymphnl.com) to bring education and awareness of lymphedema to both clients and health professionals alike.
For more information, visit www.HealthQuestNL.ca or visit one of HealthQuest’s two locations at 300 Kenmount Rd. in St. John’s (709) 754-5944 or 28 Cromer Ave. in Grand Falls-Windsor (709) 489-2111. You can also visit www.canadalymph.ca to learn more about lymphedema.
