Lymphedema of the lower extremities is a common disease of the lymphatic system that occurs when lymphatic fluid return is blocked, resulting in a buildup of tissue fluid in the lower extremities, causing swelling. This condition can be caused by a variety of reasons, including surgery, radiation, infection, or lymphatic dysplasia. It is important for patients to understand the causes, symptoms, methods, and preventive measures of lymphedema of the lower extremities.
**Introduction:Lymphedema of the lower extremities can be caused by:
Surgery or radiation therapy: Lymphatic node dissection or radiation therapy after breast cancer surgery can cause lymphatic vessel damage.
Infection: Infections such as filariasis can block lymphatic vessels.
Lymphatic dysplasia: Congenital or acquired structural abnormalities of lymphatic vessels.
Tumors: The tumour may compress or destroy the lymphatic vessels.
Symptoms & Harms:The main symptoms include swelling of the lower limbs, tightness, texture changes, thickening, and pigmentation. Long-term lymphedema can lead to infection, chronic inflammation, ulcers, and even elephantiasis.
**Measures:
Conservative**: These include wearing compression stockings, performing lymphatic drainage massage, and regularly elevating the affected limb to promote lymphatic return.
Medications**: Antibiotics ** are used to infect infections, diuretics to reduce edema, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation.
Surgery**: Lymphatic remodeling or lymph node transplantation may be required when conservative** is ineffective.
Precautionary measures:
Avoid injury: Protects the lower limbs from trauma and infection.
Regular check-ups: For at-risk patients, regular tests of the lymphatic system are performed.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintain proper exercise and avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
**Precautions during the process:
Follow your doctor's instructions: Strictly follow the doctor's guidance**, do not stop the drug or change the **regimen on your own.
Monitor changes: Pay attention to changes in the edema area, if you show signs of infection such as redness, swelling, heat and pain, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Eat right: Reduce salt intake and avoid excessive protein intake to reduce the burden on the kidneys and lymphatic system.
Lymphedema of the lower extremities requires comprehensive management, and early diagnosis and proactive development are essential to prevent long-term complications. Patients should adopt an individualized ** plan under the guidance of a professional doctor, and pay attention to prevention and care in daily life. Through these measures, the condition can be effectively controlled and the quality of life of patients can be improved.