Lymphedema Research
Lymphedema is swelling resulting from impairment to the method of returning lymph back into the circulatory system. Lymphedema is seldom a condition at birth. Most of the disorder occurs later in life from acquired causes. There are some lymph edema cases that develop from congenital causes such as not having enough vessels to process the amount of the lymphatic fluid. This congenital condition almost always affects the legs. It starts slowly with the buildup in the lower parts of the legs and will be normal after a night of rest but later it is not relieved after a period of sleep. Acquired lymphedema is usually caused by surgery or could be from treatment of cancer where lymph nodes are destroyed by radiation or removed in surgery.
There is no cure for lymphedema, but compression bandages will reduce the swelling. People with more severe swelling must wear compression stockings daily for a period long enough to bring down the swelling. Then elastic stockings of knee length must be worn every day from time of getting up until retiring. This ritual must be done for an indefinite period, possibly for years...
