Swelling of the hands and feet can be more dangerous than you think

SAFAKNA TURKEY – Denizli Tekden Private Hospital Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Selcen Güre has made informative statements about lymphedema, which is mainly manifested by swelling of the hands and feet, which significantly reduces the quality of life. Claiming that lymphedema especially manifests itself in the form of swelling in the arms and legs, the doctors of the Denizli Tekden Special Hospital for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Uzm. Dr. Selzen Gure made important statements about the symptoms and treatment of the disease. Claiming that the disease can occur with any obstruction or failure in the circulatory system, Uzm. Dr. Selcen Güre, “Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid resulting from any obstruction or malfunction in the lymphatic circulation system and its inability to transfer it properly. Lymph fluid is a fluid that carries a number of special substances, which we call a fluid much like plasma in the blood, and white blood cells associated with our body’s resistance system. This is our circulatory system, which is similar to the system of veins or arteries, but has a completely different functioning. Lymphedema is manifested by swelling, especially on the arms and legs. There are two main types of this. One type, which we call primary lymphedema, is caused by problems in the lymph nodes or lymph vessels. The other is secondary painful edema, which we often observe as a result of a deterioration in lymph flow due to some external causes, such as surgery. In distinguishing lymphedema from other edema, it plays a suspicious role for us, since it is usually more severe and more widespread and causes severe swelling on the back of the feet and hands. We use lymphoscintigraphy in the diagnosis of lymphedema and dopplerography in cases where it is not detected.” “He shouldn’t be lifting weights with his arm with lymphedema” List of things to consider after treatment, specialist. Dr. Selcen Güre said: “The most common group of secondary lymphedema is our mastectomy patients. Because the lymph nodes in the armpit are removed during some breast cancer surgeries, lymphedema develops on that side of the arm over time. Besides mastectomy, for example in ovarian cancer, prostate cancer in men, lymphedema can also be seen in the legs after surgery because the lymph nodes are treated close to the lymph nodes or because the lymph nodes are removed. Especially for the hand with lymphedema, we want to avoid external interventions in this area. We want this hand not to be used to open a vein, draw blood, measure blood pressure. Since the area of ​​lymphedema will be more prone to infection, the skin in this area should not be dry. Especially after a shower, we need hydration. Our goal here is not to break the skin barrier. Since cellulitis can be accompanied by infections, the wound can open easily. Moreover, it must be supported by the exercise done in that area. People with lymphedema should not lift heavy objects, especially with the arm with lymphedema. “It is very important that the patient is aware of this issue.” Emphasizing that treatment is a situation that requires patience and effort, Dr. Gure said: “Our patients ask a lot of questions about whether there is a cure for lymphedema. Lymphedema is diagnosed by physiotherapists and treated by specialist physiotherapists. It is appropriate to do this treatment with a team that specializes in this work and has been trained in this work. Because treating lymphedema is a condition that requires patience and effort. It is very important that we have a mutual dialogue with the patient and that the patient is aware of this issue. Because the treatment process is a single whole in the clinic and the normal life of a non-clinical person. In the treatment of lymphedema, special lymphedema massages are used. Immediately after the massage, wrapping with special short-tight bandages is necessary. After reaching a certain level and achieving a serious reduction in diameter with the sessions we use, we must end the treatment and continue monitoring. During follow-up of the patient, special compression garments should be used. We successfully treat lymphedema in our hospital with our physiotherapists.