Lymphedema Awareness Month

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month!

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is tissue swelling caused by excess fluid that is usually drained through the body’s lymphatic system. It most commonly affects the legs.

• Women are affected more than men.
• 10 Million people in US affected.
• Phlebo-lymphedema, the most common cause of secondary lymphedema in the US, is lower extremity swelling resulting from advanced varicose vein disease.

Severe cases of lymphedema can limit walking and increases the risk of skin infection (cellulitis).

How Do You Treat Lymphedema?

Treatment may include: compression bandages or stockings, physical therapy (massage), and compression pumps. For compression equipment, we recommend Tactile Medical and Koya Medical (which also has portable pumps).

Our head nurse, Celina Perlberg, RN has now achieved the credential of Certified Lymphatic Therapist (CLT), in order to serve this overlooked population.

For further questions and possible evaluation, please call Vein Specialists of Illinois at 847-468-9900 or fill out the form on the right.