Information on Lymphedema

Please take a moment to review The Compression Closet articles below to learn more about lymphedema.

 

Lymphedema Information

NOW AVAILABLE – CUSTOM COMPRESSION GARMENTS

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Juzo Custom Compression
Juzo arm sleeve

INTRODUCING CUSTOM COMPRESSION GARMENTS

We have been measuring and ordering custom compression garments at The Compression Closet for many years. However, we have never had that option on our website, until now.  After having more requests for such garments, we determined it was time to add this option for our therapists’ convenience. There are many wonderful over-the-counter compression garments that work well for lymphedema. However, in some cases, nothing will work as well as a custom flat knit garment for lymphedema. Continue reading →

PURE NIGHT

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COMPRESSION THERAPY RE-IMAGINED!Pure Night

I am very excited to introduce Pure Night to The Compression Closet. This innovative nighttime compression garment is like no other. Pure Night is both an effective and comfortable way to manage lymphedema while sleeping. Flat-knit technology distributes gradient pressure with breathable microfiber filling where it’s needed most. Pure Night is a mechanically-structured nighttime garment tailored to each patient’s gradient pressure needs. No more wrapping and no more guessing. Just pure, reliable, comfortable nighttime compression. Continue reading →

Lymphedema & Work [12 Tips to Improve Your Work Environment!]

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lymphedema and workLymphedema & Work [12 Tips to Improve Your Work Environment!]

Working with lymphedema can have challenges of its own. Some work environments are not lymphedema-friendly. Furthermore, they can have a negative effect on your ability to work. Limited mobility, time-consuming therapy regimens, pain and psychological stress can all affect job performance. Work can also play a negative effect on your lymphedema, especially if it involves heavy lifting, repetitive movement, sitting or standing for long periods of time. Continue reading →

Secondary Lymphedema

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Seconday lymphedema AngelaLYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS MONTH

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month, so let’s bring a bit more awareness to this chronic and progressive disease. Trauma to the lymph system can cause secondary lymphedema. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Angela, who has secondary lymphedema. Angela first was presented with lymphedema in March of 2016, nine years after being treated for cervical cancer. Her left ankle began to swell and within the week her entire leg was swollen.

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Primary Lymphedema

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Primary lymphedema HardeepBORN WITH LYMPHEDEMA

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month! So let’s bring a bit more awareness to this chronic and progressive disease. I’d like to introduce you to Hardeep. She has primary lymphedema, which means she was born with a lymph system that was compromised in some way. Hardeep was six months old when she was diagnosed with primary lymphedema in her arm and hand. Lucky for Hardeep, she was diagnosed fairly quickly and began her treatments right away. The earlier lymphedema is diagnosed, the easier it is to manage. Continue reading →

Lymphedema Awareness Month

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BRINGING MORE AWARENESS TO LYMPHEDEMAlymphedema awareness month

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month and March 6th is World Lymphedema Day, which is celebrated every year to educate the public about this disease. It is estimated that up to 10 million Americans are afflicted with this disease. However, many believe the numbers are much higher because so often people with this disease are misdiagnosed. Continue reading →

Head & Neck Lymphedema

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lymph nodes head and neckHEAD & NECK LYMPHEDEMA

Swelling in the head and neck is often a side effect of cancer treatments in this area, such as thyroid cancer, soft tissue sarcoma or others. Some studies claim as high as 75.3% of head and neck cancer patients will suffer some lymphedema as a result of treatments. Lymphedema is a chronic swelling that can result from damage to the lymphatic system in this area. Furthermore, interference with the flow of lymphatic fluid can build up lymphatic fluid. This is commonly seen in the neck and under the chin, however it can also occur in the face and inside the mouth and throat.

Head and neck lymphedema can cause difficulty with breathing, speaking, neck mobility and swallowing. In particular, it can alter one’s appearance which can be quite distressing. Continue reading →

WINTER SAFETY AND LYMPHEDEMA

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WINTER SAFETY & LYMPHEDEMAWinter lymphedema

In the cooler winter months, lymphedema can be easier to deal with. Compression garments are more comfortable to wear in the cooler weather and swelling might not be as bad. Bug bites and sunburns are usually not an issue of concern, at least in the northern hemisphere. However, winter can present its own challenges. Here are just a few tips for winter safety and lymphedema. Continue reading →

LIPEDEMA

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WHAT IS LIPEDEMA?  

lipedema
Photo credit: Lipedema Simplified

You’ve probably seen someone with lipedema. You may even know someone who has it, but  have been unaware of their disease. Lipedema is a chronic condition that causes the  accumulation of fat most often in the lower part of the body. However it can also occur in the  upper arms. It is a condition that almost exclusively occurs in women. Lidpedmea is often confused with obesity and frequently misdiagnosed. Women with lipedema may also suffer from easy bruising, sensitivity to touch and pain.  Commonly, there will be a disproportionate distribution of fat with a smaller upper body and a larger lower body. Mayo Clinic first reported  this disease in 1940, but the condition still remains largely misunderstood and under-diagnosed.

The exact cause of this condition is unknown and it may be that it has many causes. Heredity seems to be a major factor in this disease. Family history of lipedema is often noted and potential genes associated with the condition have been recently identified.  Female hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause also seem to play a role in this condition. Other hormones, such as insulin and thyroid hormones may also be involved. Continue reading →

Lymphedema Resources

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NEW AT THE COMPRESSION CLOSETNew at the compression closet

I have been working with lymphedema patients for over a dozen years now. One of the questions I run into all the time is where to find more information and support for lymphedema. Through my research and training, I have begun to gather together some of these resources for you.

Let’s start out the New Year with some new knowledge and resources! We have just added a new page to our website, Lymphedema Resources. At The Compression Closet, we want our website to be more than just a place to purchase good quality compression garments for lymphedema. We want this to be a place to go to for information, resources and the latest in research about the lymphedema condition. Continue reading →