Lymphedema is a lifelong condition that affects your lymphatic system and causes your tissues to swell with excess fluid. This swelling can be noticed across your limbs including your fingers and toes. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to complications such as hardened skin, fluid leakage, repeated infections, and cancer.
That is why it is important to look into long-term management practices such as lymphedema physical therapy as soon as you are diagnosed with lymphedema. This not only helps you minimize complications, but also lets you lead a more fulfilling life despite the presence of the condition.
To support you in managing this challenging condition, here are 5 tips for dealing with lymphedema.
1. Start Using Compression Wear
Compression wear is specialized gear that helps you find relief from tissue swelling. When you follow tips for using compression wear on a regular basis, it can dramatically reduce the tightness and heaviness that you feel on your body. There are various compression gear options available in the market, which gives you flexibility in making your selection.
For optimal results, you should get your compression gear from reliable vendors with clinically proven results. Purchasing treatment for lymphedema gear from reputable companies can provide you with ongoing relief and improve your quality of life.
2. Focus on Your Water Intake
It may not feel like a big step at first, but increasing your water intake to the suggested daily amount can work wonders for dealing with lymphedema. By having around eight glasses of water, you can meet this requirement and give your body the hydration it needs.
With that being said, you don’t have to blindly follow this number. Instead, you can drink water whenever you are thirsty while ensuring that it remains close to the suggested quantity. In order to easily stay in line with this practice, you can invest in a self-cleaning water bottle. This sets you free from the stress of upkeep.
3. Get Mental Health Assistance
When you receive the diagnosis for lymphedema, the incurable nature of the condition could be enough to dampen your spirits. That is where you need to look for trusted ways to manage mental health issues. By receiving therapy and support from qualified professionals, you can manage the toll that the condition can take on your mental wellbeing.
In case you have issues in finding a therapist in your area, you can also look for online therapy solutions. These services can easily be accessed through your phone and connect you to one-on-one therapy sessions.
4. Manage Your Diet
Since lymphedema has to be managed in a multifaceted way, your diet plays a big role in handling its symptoms and possible complications. By consuming foods that are good for your immune system, you can prevent the onset of significant problems such as lack of motion, heaviness in the limbs, and ongoing infections.
By looking into tips to boost your immune system, you can find a variety of foods that could help you support your body against lymphedema. In case you have issues in preparing special meals for yourself, you can turn to a solution such as a meal delivery service. This helps you obtain healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
5. Adopt an Exercise Routine
Exercising is another great way to deal with lymphedema. When you keep your body in motion, the resulting effects can support your lymphatic system and reduce the risk for complications. This means that just a few minutes of light to moderate exercise a day can allow you to live a healthier life.
There are many forms of workouts such as flexibility exercises and strength training. But instead of feeling confused between these choices, you can find your ideal fit by discussing these details with your doctor or personal trainer. This ensures that you are not putting yourself through unnecessary duress, but still reaping the required benefits on a regular basis.
These suggestions can seem difficult to follow at first. But once you start looking into them, they can become a seamless part of your routine. This allows you to manage lymphedema in an ideal manner and keep this condition from largely affecting your quality of life.
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