Lower Extremity Lymphedema Treatment

Lower Body Lymphedema Treatment

Flexitouch Plus provides comfortable, effective, at-home treatments designed to help patients with chronic swelling get back to their lives.

The Flexitouch Plus system moves lymph fluid to reduce swelling. It is clinically proven to stimulate the lymphatic system, enhance quality of life and reduce episodes of cellulitis.³

Flexitouch Plus helps patients self-manage their lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and nonhealing venous leg ulcers with:

Lower Body Lymphedema FAQs

What is lower body lymphedema?

Lymphedema in the lower body, such as the legs, groin, abdomen, or trunk, is a chronic, progressive condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid that results in localized swelling. Lymphedema in the lower body can be classified as primary lymphedema, where the condition is inherited, present at birth, or spontaneous in nature. However, lower body lymphedema is more commonly the result of a disruption to the lymphatic system, known as secondary lymphedema. Cancer, cancer surgery, radiation therapy, blood clots, chronic venous insufficiency, infections like cellulitis, and trauma from an injury like a crushing accident or burn are some of the causes of lymphedema in the legs. While lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition, there are ways to manage swelling, pain, and related symptoms, such as lymphedema compression garments, lymphedema pumps that deliver pneumatic compression, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.

What are the symptoms of lymphedema in the legs?

Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition, which means symptoms may start out mild and progress in severity if treatment and management approaches aren’t taken. Understanding lymphedema risk factors and the symptoms to look out for can help ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Some of the common symptoms of lymphedema in the legs include:

• Swelling
• Pain, discomfort, and tightness
• Skin changes
• Increased risk of infections
• Decreased range of motion
• Fibrosis
• Pitting edema
• Fatigued, heavy limbs

How do you treat lower body lymphedema?

While the symptoms of lymphedema can progress, such as increased swelling and pain, there are several treatment methods patients can implement to reduce the progression of symptoms. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is the standard lymphedema treatment approach, and is a multimodal treatment plan that starts with in-clinic treatment provided by a certified lymphedema therapist, followed by at-home self-management with tools like pneumatic compression devices to reduce swelling. Below are the main components of CDT:

• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD): MLD is a specialized massage technique that promotes drainage in the lymphatic system by guiding fluid out of the affected area for recirculation. After a lymphedema therapist or doctor gives direction, patients can perform self-manual lymphatic drainage massages at home. Pneumatic compression devices, such as the Flexitouch Plus and Entre systems, provide safe and effective MLD for home maintenance. These lymphedema pumps should be worn for an hour each day to aid in the drainage of fluid.
• Compression: Compression bandaging and compression garments for legs are used to promote the flow of fluid to reduce and maintain the reduction of swelling. Compression bandaging applied by a lymphedema therapist is common in Phase I, known as Active CDT, while compression garments for lymphedema, like compression socks, are used in Phase II, known as Maintenance CDT.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can also relieve swelling and related lymphedema symptoms. Performing lymphedema exercises prescribed by a lymphedema therapist, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, activates the muscles, which then act as a pump to promote the flow of fluid back into the bloodstream toward the heart. Exercise also helps patients maintain a healthy weight and reduce the pressure on their lymphatic system.
• Skin and nail care: Following nail and skin care best practices is another key component of any lymphedema treatment plan. It helps prevent cuts and the risk of infection, which can further exacerbate swelling, pain, and other symptoms. Moisturizing, keeping nails trimmed, and wearing sunscreen help ensure the skin on the affected area is protected.

How do pneumatic compression devices work?

Pneumatic compression devices, such as the Flexitouch Plus system or Entre Plus system, are some of the best pneumatic compression garments for lymphedema of the legs, as they deliver mild, dynamic pressure in set intervals in a wave-like motion to direct fluid from impaired regions to healthier areas of the body. This gentle “work and release” action stimulates the lymphatics to encourage the flow of fluid to be absorbed and processed by the body. If you’re interested in one of Tactile’s lymphedema pumps for the legs, a prescription from your doctor will be required. These lymphedema compression garments for legs allow patients to self-manage swelling and related symptoms from the comfort of their homes.

Tactile’s Flexitouch Plus system is a pneumatic compression device with lower body compression garments for half-leg treatment, full-leg treatment, or full-leg and core treatment. New ComfortEase garments make it easier for patients to take these garments on and off, as well as fit a wider range of body types. The Entre Plus system is a simpler pneumatic compression device that has eight compression chambers and multiple pressure modes for individualized treatment and has full-leg and half-leg garments. Contact us to learn more about our lymphedema therapy for legs and how they can help you find personalized relief.