6-18-12
Lymphedema Patients Do Not Have to Suffer Through Summer
12 tips for managing the condition in the hottest months
A barefoot walk through freshly cut grass, a dip in the ocean, weeding in the garden, and a long car ride before a vacation are all common summer activities. However, for a person with lymphedema, each of these could trigger discomfort, pain, and swelling in the arms or legs.
Lymphedema is a chronic, lifelong condition resulting from changes in the lymphatic vessels. The condition results in an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the affected body part, most often the arms or legs. Primary lymphedema is caused by missing or impaired lymphatic vessels while secondary lymphedema is caused by removal or damage to lymph nodes, most often from surgery, radiation, infection, breast cancer, or trauma.
"Summer is a time when people look forward to being outdoors, swimming, and traveling—all which can be difficult for someone with lymphedema," says Robin Newman, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, CDRS, clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago and an occupational therapist at NorthShore University Health System in Chicago. "Occupational therapy practitioners focus on participation in meaningful activities or occupations and work to help our patients minimize the risk of developing or increasing their lymphedema. Through our holistic approach to treatment, occupational therapy practitioners can empower individuals to successfully manage their condition and participate in the occupations they value."
Walking barefoot or swimming in the ocean can expose a person to cuts and scrapes that can aggravate lymphedema, excessive heat can put a patient into lymphatic overdrive, and a long car or plane ride can cause swelling Newman offers the following tips for individuals with lymphedema to navigate the summer months:
-
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
-
Avoid salty foods, which can increase swelling in affected limbs
-
Avoid excessive exposure to the sun
-
Keep cool and stay in air-conditioned areas when possible
-
Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid constriction in the affected body part
-
Wear compression garments when traveling by plane
-
Make frequent stops and stretch your legs when traveling by car
-
Take along a first aid kit when hiking, camping, or biking
-
Wear well-fitting shoes to avoid cuts and scrapes
-
Use luggage with wheels or carry-on bags to avoid strain on arms affected by lymphedema
-
Wear gloves in the garden to avoid pricks, cuts, or scratches
-
Routinely wash compression garments to remove sweat and sunscreen.
To learn more about lymphedema or to interview an occupational therapy practitioner about his or her work in this field, contact AOTA Media Relations Manager Katie Riley at 301-652-6611, ext. 2963, or kriley@aota.org.
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association(AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA's major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.
