Innovative techniques are being used to help researchers investigate and understand lymphatic function. Understanding the mechanics of lymph transport can offer valuable insight to patients living with lymphedema, and will lead to better clinical management and new therapeutic targets. Here we provide a brief overview of our current understanding of…
Severe bacterial infection called ‘cellulitis’ is common in people with lymphedema. New clinical research suggests potential risk factors to avoid.
Early research suggests that the FDA approved drug “Pletal” (cilostazol) may also have the potential to help treat lymphedema. Cilostazol (sold under the brand name “Pletal”) is drug that inhibits platelet aggregation and increases peripheral vasodilation. It is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of muscle pain during walking…
Manual lymphatic drainage is a central tenant of Complex (Combined) Decongestive Therapy, the standard treatment for the chronic swelling condition known as lymphedema. While the benefits of manual lymphatic drainage are well recognized for cases of longstanding lymphedema, does it provide enough benefit for early cases to warrant the added…
Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy is used to improve venous circulation, can it also improve lymphatic circulation in cases of secondary lymphedema? Intermittent pneumatic compression was originally developed to improve venous circulation. It accomplishes this through the use of an air-pressure controlled sleeve, glove or boot that provides a rhythmic…
In January we discussed one patient’s experience with lymphedema secondary to obesity (see: “A case of Lower Extremity Lymphedema Secondary to Morbid Obesity”). Here we provide an update on her progress one year after her initial assessment at our clinic. The patient was first seen at our clinic on May…
Always on the look-out for new approaches to treating lymphedema, we took a close look at a new study that examines the use of acupuncture for treating the condition. The study in question (Cassileth B.R., Van Zee K.J., et al. Acupuncture in the treatment of upper-limb lymphedema: Results of a…
It was once widely believed that patients with lymphedema should avoid resistance exercise for fear of aggravating the symptoms of their chronic swelling condition. This misconception has been widely debunked. In fact, specially designed exercise therapy programs are actually beneficial for managing lymphedema as well as other side effects of…
New research adds genetic differences to the list of demographic and clinical factors that predict your risk of lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. The chance of developing chronic lymphatic swelling following treatment for breast cancer is commonly reported as 30-40%. While predisposing factors have been identified, it is still not…
UPDATE: The below article is interesting, and still mostly valid, but for the most up to date information on laser and lymphedema please see our 2018 review: Lymphedema Laser Therapy Inches Closer to Clinical Utility. Low level laser therapy is sometimes marketed as a miracle cure. It’s currently used by…
