The lymphoedema
A disorder of the lymphatic system
Our body forms several litres’ lymphatic fluid daily, which flows through a widely interwoven lymphatic vessel network.
This lymphatic system is also responsible for the removal of metabolites, water, damaged cells and foreign bodies such as bacteria from the space between the cells. Moreover, it fulfils important tasks within the immune system.
If the lymphatic system no longer functions correctly, fluid retention with tissue swelling may result – a lymphoedema develops.
Primary and secondary lymphoedema
Physicians distinguish two types of lymphoedema:
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Primary lymphoedema
A hereditary dysplasia of the lymph vessels or individual lymph nodes causes the development of the oedema. This may start directly after birth or take place at a later point in time.
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Secundary lymphoedema
The oedema develops during the course of life via external influential factors, e.g. if lymph nodes have been removed or radiation therapy is carried out.
Stage 0
Latency stage
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Lymphoedema is not visible
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Isolated lymph vessels are already affected, but can be diverted through healthy lymph tracts
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Persons affected do not yet have any symptoms
Stage 1
Spontaneously reversible stage
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Oedema has a soft consistency
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Elevation reduces the swelling
Stage 2
Stage not spontaneously reversible
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Oedema with secondary tissue changes, such as hardening
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Elevation does not eliminate the swelling
Stage 3
Pronounced form of the stage which is not spontaneously reversible
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The scope has increased considerably with overhanging skin flaps
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In-part with typical skin changes such as significantly hardened skin, development of vesicles and fistulae
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Elephanteasis
Who is affected ?
Considerably more women than men develop a lymphoedema. In particular, female breast cancer patients can incur a lymphoedema as a consequence of their disease.
What are the symptoms ?
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Normally single-sided, i.e. asymmetrical swelling of body regions
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Frequently on the arms, legs or toes
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Unusually smooth, firm and taut skin
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Swelling worsens during the course of the day
Lymphoedema often develop insidiously as they initially do not cause any pain.
Early therapy is nonetheless required, as the swellings can otherwise become very pronounced during the further course of the disease and cause skin changes.
Compression therapy for treating lymphoedema
Wearing medical compression stockings is a component of Complex Physical Decongestion Therapy, which is used as a proven treatment method for oedema ailments. It consists of five modules which are applied in two stages.
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Stage 1: Decongestion
Bandaging, manual lymph drainage, activity, skin care
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Stage 2: Conservation
Medical compression stockings, manual lymph drainage, activity, skin care
During manual lymph drainage, the tissue is decongested with a special massage, i.e. the flow of the lymphatic fluid is activated. This enables the regression of the lymph oedema. As opposed to this, mobilisation of the tissue is of primary importance in case of lipoedema.
Medical compression stockings, which can considerably reduce or even hinder renewed fluid accumulation in the tissue during the maintenance stage, are a further important therapeutic component. When worn, interplay between the muscles, skin and pressure exerted by the knitted fabric takes place.
BORT AktiVen® Intense
Medical compression stockings
A large number of individual versions for leg, hand and toe care excel with their top manufacturing quality. Available in different versions as well as standard and trend colours, they are an attractive and medically effective accompaniment for oedema therapy.
Daily wearing for relief you can feel
In order to generate the best possible therapeutic success, medical compression stockings should be put on daily after getting up and be worn until the evening during the maintenance stage.
The stockings are adapted individually to the legs, arms or hands and are therefore very comfortable to wear.
