Lymphedema Wraps / Lymphedema Bandages / Leg Ulcer Bandages

Types of Leg Edemas

Aside from the types of edemas you’ll read about below, there are also other kinds of edemas, but those are unrelated to the leg and therefore not applicable to our article. Below, you’ll find out about the most common types of leg edemas. 

Pedal Edema

This is when fluid pools in your feet, especially in the area below the knee, and causes reduced sensation in the area. The lack of sensation makes it more difficult to walk about. Pedal edema is known to happen to seniors and to pregnant women.It is oftentimes caused by an issue related to the venous circulation system, but can even be caused by sitting on a plane or standing for long periods at a time. Pedal edema is actually a type of Peripheral Edema. Compression wraps for edema can help control the swelling. 

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the Lymphatic system isn’t working properly. To understand what Lymphedema is, and why Lymphedema wraps are helpful in alleviating its symptoms, here’s a quick overview of what the Lymphatic system does. It contains vessels and tissues that carry a fluid known as lymph (that contains white blood cells which fight infections). Lymphedema is caused when a blockage in these vessels causes fluid to build up. The blockage causes swelling, which can be uncomfortable, or even painful. 

Can Any Kind of Compression Bandage Work for Lymphedema?

No. Long stretch bandages, which are bandages with a very high extensibility, are contra purposeful for anyone looking to improve symptoms of Lymphedema. For instance, do not use ace wraps for lymphedema. Actually, there is a significant chance that using the wrong type of bandage can aggravate and even exacerbate the Lymphedema. To ensure that the bandage you choose will work properly, we’ve created this curated selection of short stretch bandages intended for use by those with Lymphedema. Of course, depending on how severe one’s condition is, he will need a different type of lymphedema bandage with a suitable level of compression. 

Warning Signs

In the following instances, the individual should stop wearing the lymphedema foot wrap immediately: If a rash develops, if the area is red or warm to the touch, or if the area begins to tingle or itch. Other times to stop wearing the bandage would be if the area begins to swell unexplainably, if the person develops a fever, or if any other signs of infection become visible. In all the aforementioned scenarios, the most prudent step to take after removing the compression wrap for lymphedema would be to contact a care professional. 

Treatments for Lymphedema

Lymphedema is usually a chronic condition, but there are measures one can take to alleviate its symptoms. It can happen that surgery is necessary, but most often, your doctor will recommend you wear a lymphedema wrap or complete certain exercises. Lymphedema therapists can help you to complete leg exercises, or you can do them on your own. A Lymphedema therapist can also customize an exercise plan for your level, and tell you which lymphedema wrapping supplies to use. 

These exercises are meant to achieve one or more of the following effects: Either they’ll help drain excess fluid from the limb, and back toward the body center, or they’ll help to maintain or even strengthen muscles or joints. During exercise, a lymphedema wrap or bandage should be worn. Keep in mind that these exercises are not designed to be painful - if you find them to be so, stop doing them, and tell your therapist. 

Lymphedema Vs. Edema

Lymphedema & Edema both result in swollen legs, but are caused by different things. Edema often occurs due to an injury - extra tissue fluid comes to the area to assist with healing, and the area becomes swollen. Once the injury heals, the swelling recedes. Edema can also happen due to an issue in the circulatory system, such as CVI (chronic venous insufficiency). The edema that results in CVI is the most common type of edema. Lymphedema happens when the lymphatic system is too weak to transport the lymphatic fluid, and the excess lymph fluid causes the area to swell. People wear compression wraps for both venous insufficiencies and lymphedema. 

Treatments for Edema

In order to help the swelling recede, the swollen limb should be elevated so that it's higher than your heart. This will usually work for non severe cases of edema. For more serious cases, speak to a professional about treating the cause of the edema. Another helpful idea would be to use compression bandages for edema to keep pressure on the area so that they don’t continue swelling. 

If you need edema wraps for swollen legs, AvaCare Medical is the place to look. With a full selection of short stretch bandages for edemas, and particularly for lymphedema, they have what you need! Shop now!