What are possible treatments for lymphedema?
There is no cure for lymphedema. Treatments are designed to reduce the swelling and control discomfort and other symptoms. Compression treatments can help reduce swelling and prevent scarring and other complications. Examples of compression treatments are: • Elastic sleeves or stockings: These must fit properly and provide gradual compression from the end of the extremity toward the trunk. • Bandages: Bandages that are wrapped more tightly around the end of the extremity and wrapped more loosely toward the trunk, to encourage lymph flow out of the extremity toward the center of the body • Pneumatic compression devices: These are sleeves or stockings connected to a pump that provides sequential compression from the end of the extremity toward the body. These may be used in the clinic or in the home and are useful in preventing long-term scarring, but they cannot be used in all individuals, such as those with congestive heart failure, deep venous thrombosis, or certain infections. • Manu
