Role of Compression Garments for Managing Lymphedema

Medical compression garments provide external support that is essential to lymphedema management, which is why they are often prescribed as part of a treatment plan. Without that compression benefits of lymphedema products, there is risk of lymphatic fluid re-accumulation, making it impossible to achieve long-term management of the condition.

How to these lymphedema products work?

Graduated medical compression garments are designed to assist the body in encouraging lymph fluids to flow from interstitial spaces in affected tissues to the lymph vessels and recirculate to the heart. They play a crucial role in complete decongestive therapy by squeezing affected tissues to put pressure on lymph fluids and facilitate its flow to the vessels.

Medical compression garments do this by squeezing tissues that are farther from the heart more tightly, and those closer to the heart less tightly. This facilitates lymph drainage. Together with other lymphedema products, graduated compression garments are key components in your doctor’s plan for controlling the swelling, discomfort, in pain and that you may experience from your lymphedema condition.

Understanding compression classes

Compression garments such as gauntlets, sleeves, pantyhose, and stockings as well as brassieres and vests are available in several variations, sizes, and compression classes. Of these factors, compression classes are the trickiest to determine. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best class for you depending on several factors.

Compression class is the value of pressure a garment exerts on the skin, expressed in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). To be effective, the pressure exerted by the garment needs to increase gradually from the farthest portion of an extremity to the nearest. This prevents tourniquet effects and lymph flow obstruction. Most manufacturers use the following values:

· Compression class 1–20 to 30 mmHg

· Compression class 2–30 to 40 mmHg

· Compression class 3–40 to 50 mmHg

· Compression class 4 — more than 60 mmHg

Your doctor or therapist will consider many factors in determining the right compression class for you, including your age, tolerance to compression, skin integrity, activity level, and any additional conditions you might have such as heart problems or arterial insufficiencies.

It’s very important to follow instructions regarding how, where, when, and how often to use your compression garments. While it may seem uncomfortable or inconvenient to wear them, it’s crucial that you follow your doctor’s instructions and use them for as long as necessary, every day. Your doctor may allow you to remove them before sleeping and put them on again first thing upon waking up.

Proper skin care is also vital because skin in affected areas of the body — such as the ankles and the legs — may become fragile, thin and susceptible to flaking, cracking, or drying. These parts may also become prone to infections, so caring for them is absolutely necessary.

Moreover, you need to take property are of your medical compression garments to keep them effective for a long time. Keep them dry and clean, following the instructions from the manufacturer. This can prolong their life and help them stay in top shape.