Manufacturers have engineered different types of arm compression garments to address lymphedema of varying degrees, which may affect different areas of the arm(s). Lymphedema of the arm strikes women most often due to treatments for breast cancer. But men can also develop lymphedema for various reasons, so there’s a separate category of sleeves specifically designed to appeal to men. Compression …
Accept and Embrace Your Compression Sleeves
For many breast cancer survivors, the sudden occurrence of lymphedema is an unexpected — and decidedly unwelcome. Having endured the fear, pain, and trauma of therapies designed to help them survive their dreaded disease, it’s no wonder many women view the development of lymphedema as an insult to injury. Lymphedema is a chronic, incurable condition in which certain parts of …
Should You Bother With a Pneumatic Compression Device?
If you had been diagnosed with lymphedema in the mid-20th century, chances are you would have been prescribed therapy with a pneumatic compression device (PCD). At the time, these lymphedema pumps resembled glorified blood pressure cuffs. They featured one chamber filled with pressurized air to squeeze your affected limb. In some instances, unsupervised patients used the devices at pressures that …
Are Compression Boots the Real Deal?
Compression boots are the latest fad among certain well-heeled elite athletes, not to mention aspiring weekend warriors. You may not have heard of these boots, but they’re gaining traction. So what are they, and do they really deliver significant exercise-recovery benefits? Also known as air compression boots, or compression recovery boots, these devices consist of a pair of spacesuit-looking (Antarctic …
How to Determine Compression Levels for Your Garments
Determining Compression Levels Medical-grade compression wear comes in a range of pressure classifications. To be clear, you should always consult with your healthcare professional before investing in compression wear for the treatment of your lymphedema. Your provider can recommend or prescribe the best compression wear for your needs. Consistent self-care is crucial. And a big part of that will inevitably …
Ready-Made vs. Custom Compression Garments
Ready-Made vs. Custom Compression Garments When it comes to choosing the compression wear that’s most appropriate for you, there are several factors to consider. Of course, you will want to follow your medical professional’s advice for the most effective treatment to address your lymphedema. Your healthcare provider will recommend a specific class of compression, but you will have options between …
Day vs. Night Compression Wear
Day Compression Versus Night Compression People with lymphedema soon learn that their condition is chronic. While that doesn’t necessarily mean that things will get steadily worse, it does mean that patients must take the management of their condition seriously. Among other things, that means following your healthcare providers’ advice regarding compression wear. Wearing compression garments is a fundamental component of …
Best Summer Compression Garments to Keep You Cool in Warmer Weather
Best Summer Compression Garments to Keep You Cool in Warmer Weather As you know, managing your lymphedema is a full-time job. There’s no summer vacation for lymphedema sufferers. You don’t get a break and have the option of skipping the daily use of compression wear. Nor can you afford to stop being hyper-vigilant about avoiding new physical insults to the …
How Do Compression Garments Work?
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that occurs as a result of a localized lymphatic drainage problem. Such problems may arise in various parts of the body, due to damage from any number of possible causes. Surgery or radiation for cancer treatment is a frequent cause of this damage. A significant percentage of women
How to Care For Your Compression Stockings
Although they are garments appropriate for everyday wear, compression stockings are important pieces of medical “equipment”. Unlike ordinary stockings, they require a bit more care and attention. Medical-grade graduated compression wear items are designed to alleviate your symptoms of fluid accumulation due to lymphedema.