DISTINGUISH BETWEEN:

EDEMA, LIPEDEMA, & LYMPHEDEMA

Swelling is any abnormal enlargement of a body part. Typically, it is the result of inflammation or a buildup of fluid. Effusion describes the swelling that is inside a joint, such as a swollen ankle or knee. There are 3 types of swelling in the body:

1. EDEMA is a general term for acute swelling in the body. It describes swelling in the tissue outside of the joint. Chronic edema is defined as swelling lasting for more than 3 months. Most times it resolves itself naturally. However, some people experience chronic edema which occurs when the body is unable to restore fluid balance, and it persists for more than three months. When it does, it is considered Lymphedema.

2. LIPEDEMA causes fat cells to grow and proliferate abnormally, leading to increased fluid retention around the cells which results in non-pitting edema that is often tender and painful. It usually affects the legs and arms and occurs almost exclusively in women. It appears bilaterally and symmetrically and does not involve the feet. legs become swollen, bruise easily, are tender, feel increasingly painful as the day progresses, and are generally uncomfortable. Lipedema may occur because of changes in female hormones.

Lipedema is often associated with hormonal changes, such as puberty, birth control pills, pregnancy, menopause, and phases of weight gain.

The symptoms of Lipedema include:

• Fat buildup in the butt, thighs, calves, and sometimes upper arms on both sides of the body.
• The development of bumps inside the fat that feel like there is something under the skin.
• Varying mild to severe pain, discomfort, a feeling of pressure or heaviness.
• Swelling.

Available Lipedema treatment options:

· An anti-inflammatory diet. Calorie-reduction diets are not likely to affect the lipedema-linked fatty areas of the body.

• A low-impact exercise therapy through swimming increases mobility.
• Increasing general physical activity.

This is important because the lymph system drains all the cells in the body and does not use the heart, but instead body movement and muscular function to do its job.

• Compression garments/compression bandaging to reduce pain and discomfort.
• A gentle Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massage.
• Deep tissue therapy.
• Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC).
• Liposuction and Lipectomy can remove fat alleviate the pain and improve mobility. Wet-jet assisted liposuction is less likely to damage the lymph vessels.
• Lipedema with a BMI higher than 35, may require bariatric surgery.

The following foods increase inflammation:

• Added sugars.
• Refined grains.
• Chemically modified fats.
• High-salt foods.
• Fatty proteins.
• Dairy products other than kefir or yogurt, with a high sodium content.

3. LYMPHEDEMA is a chronic and severe condition that involves significant long-term edema fluid buildup. It refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that is usually drained through the body’s lymphatic system. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck, and genitals. Lymph nodes are an important part of the lymphatic system. It is often unilateral (on one side), but may also be multilateral (on both sides). It includes the feet, unlike Lipedema. It also involves pitting Edema.

There is no cure for the advanced stages of this condition. Once the lymph system is damaged, it cannot be repaired. However, the symptoms can be managed and controlled through weight control and regular exercise to help the lymphatic vessels move trapped lymph fluid.

Primary Lymphedema is rare affecting one in 100,000 individuals.

Secondary Lymphedema is far more common affecting approximately one in 1,000 Americans.

The symptoms of Lymphedema include:

• Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes.
• A feeling of heaviness or tightness.
• Restricted range of motion.
• Recurring infections.
• Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis).

Available Lipedema treatment options:

• Exercise. Exercise helps to restore flexibility and strength, and it improves drainage.
• Bandage. Wearing a customized compression sleeve or elastic bandage may help to prevent an accumulation of fluid.
• Arm pump.
• Diet.
• Keep the arm raised.
• Infection Prevention.

The 5 best teas for lymphatic drainage (ease swelling) are:

• Yaupon Tea. Yaupon is made from Ilex vomitoria rather than Camellia Sinensis like many traditional teas.
• Ginger Tea.
• Chamomile Tea.
• Peppermint Tea.
• Natural Green Tea.

General points to ponder:

- Lymphedema and Lipedema can occur together and can also affect the same body parts.

- Another way ACV helps to detox the body is by breaking up mucus and cleansing the lymph nodes, which allows for better lymph circulation. When your lymphatic system is healthy, it can remove toxins from cells and improve the immune system response.

- Natural foods like dark green vegetables, ginger, citrus fruits, flaxseed, and garlic are ideal for lymphatic cleansing.

- After all, lymph fluid is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function and flow. Drinking at least 1 liter of warm lemon water in the morning is a great way to get the lymphatic system moving to help expel toxins.

- Sleeping on your left side assists the spleen with the use of gravity to drain the lymph system.

- Exercise in water can be very beneficial. It is great for fitness; the buoyancy takes the weight off the heavy limbs and the pressure of the water aids lymphatic drainage.

- Yoga and Pilates are also beneficial. They are gentle forms of exercise that encourage movement, stretching, and deep breathing.

General exercises to reduce swelling in the legs and feet:

• Walking in place, using a treadmill, or strolling with the dog in fresh air.
• Lying down flat on the back and rotating the trunk of the body.
• Leisure cycling.
• Standing leg lifts.
• Slow squats with accessible support.

Information flashpoint:

Elephantiasis has nothing to do with any of the above and usually occurs in tropical climates. It is a painful disease that occurs when tiny parasite larvae are transferred into the body through mosquito bites. It is a major cause of disability in endemic areas. When someone is bitten by an infected mosquito, microscopic larvae are left on the skin and can enter the person’s body.

Sammy RNAJ

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