The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that helps to remove toxins and waste from the body. When lymphatic drainage is impaired, it can lead to swelling, infection, and other health issues.
In this interview, we will plunge deep into human anatomy with insights from Ghada Kharrat Gholam, a practicing physical therapist. Ghada’s extensive experience of 25 years is built on her passion and motivation to contribute to the overall wellbeing of her clients, specifically women touched by breast cancer and the elderly.
Why do we feel bloated? Is it only water retention?
Edema is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the tissues; it typically results in visible swelling in the affected area. For example, it can be your leg swelling up, your arm or your wedding ring no longer fitting. Edema can occur in many parts of the body.
Various factors, including prolonged sitting or standing, changes in temperatures or humidity, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions, can cause Edema. Excess salt consumption, kidney failure, and weak heart performance can also lead to excess fluids in the body’s tissues or Edema.
Is Edema something we can avoid or treat ourselves?
Several things can be done to help alleviate Edema. Mild Edema commonly dissappear on its own, but some daily at-home practices can help diminish swelling. Drinking more water, raising the affected arm or leg higher than the heart, and wearing compression garments are some practices. Another remedy is medications such as diuretics that can help the body eliminate the excess fluid through urine.
Yet, if the person continues to experience swelling in his/her legs, arms, or face, then s/he might be experiencing a more robust form of Edema or possibly Lipedema or Lymphedema.
What is the difference between “Lipedema” and “Lymphedema.”
Lipedema is an abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs and sometimes the arms. It is more commonly found in women than in men. The causes behind lipedema remain unknown, but the condition can be traced back to inherited genetics. The physical traits of lipedema can be frustrating and painful. For example, the top half of one’s body could be a size 8, but the bottom half could be a size 16. In general, the first reaction of doctors to lipedema cases is to recommend more exercise and proper eating habits. However, unfortunately exercising doesn’t make the substantial excess fat cells disappear. People affected by Lipedema feel frustrated with not seeing any improvement, and they may end up abandoning their healthy lifestyle, which only worsens their condition. Furthermore, lipedema can progress to lymphedema once fat cells block the vessels of the lymphatic system over time.
Lymphedema is a swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich lymph in the tissues. This obstruction prevents lymph fluid from draining properly, resulting in lymphedema (fluid buildup). Lymph is a clear to white fluid composed of white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes, which attack bacteria in the blood and tissues. As a result, the lymphatic system is a vital component of one’s immune system that defends the body against illnesses.
Lymphedema can also be innate or result from breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer due to the lack of lymph nodes that filter out harmful substances and waste products.
What are the signs and symptoms to look out for?
– Swelling of the arm or leg, fingers or toes
– A feeling of heaviness or tightness
– Restricted range of motion
– Hardening and thickening of the skin
– Large lower half and column-like legs that are frequently tender and easily bruised
What advice can you give our readers?
To understand the lymphatic system functions, we first have to visualize the infrastructure of a house in our heads. The lymphatic system is similar to the drainage system in a home. Visualize the drainage system in a home and how it allows the flow of wastewater and other liquids through the pipes and out of the house. Sometimes these pipes get clogged; in some cases, we manage to restore them and reroute the drainage to another outlet. It is the same with our lymphatic system; we must ensure no blockages.
I teach my patients to make a form of manual lymphatic drainage, a massage that uses gentle, rhythmic pumping movements to stimulate lymph flow around blocked areas to healthy vessels that can drain into the venous system.
Lipedema and lymphedema patients must learn self-management strategies as part of their overall treatment plan. The best treatment outcomes materialize when patients work alongside the therapists. Self-care can go a long way for patients suffering from lipedema or lymphedema.
There are many things that patients can practice at home that will reduce pain and help them accept their condition.
Adapting: When preparing for a long day or night out, lift your legs or wrap your compression gear before your outing. Once you return from a long night or day out, you can use the same technique to relieve pain from your swollen areas.
Staying Active: Regular movement and physical activity can help promote circulation and prevent tissue buildup. Individuals can pursue activities like walking, swimming, yoga, or any low-density fitness routine.
Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help promote healthy circulation and prevent fluid retention.
Self-Manual lymphatic drainage: Place your hand at an angle to the skin, then stretch the skin with your thumb on one side of the limb and your fingers on the other side. You then lower your wrist to move the skin in a pumping motion.
Dry brushing: This technique uses a natural bristle brush to massage the skin in a particular pattern, typically starting at the extremities and working toward the heart.
Despite having similar treatments, lipedema and lymphedema are two different cases with different approaches. The former can be monitored with healthier lifestyle choices, while the latter might need a more powerful method.
Nevertheless, patients with lipedema or lymphedema need to adapt to their condition instead of feeling hopeless about it, just like individuals who suffer from chronic diseases (diabetes, and hypertension, among others). Such conditions are there for life; the key is adjusting our mindset and accepting our bodies the way they do, or else we’ll be our obstacles.
If you know someone struggling with Edema, Lipedema, or Lymphedema, we encourage you to share this information with them. Join our efforts in increasing awareness of the lymphatic system and its importance to our wellbeing and overall health.
