Treating chronic oedema of the lower limb using circular knit garments: how garment characteristics affect outcomes.

The use of compression therapy to treat chronic oedema of the lower limbs can be a challenge, especially when this is undertaken by clinicians who have limited experience and knowledge of the theoretical principles which underpin its use in clinical practice. This articles aims to discuss the reasoning which underpins the use of compression hosiery in the management of lymphoedema and how this understanding can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the burden of disease on patients and clinical resources.

Enabling patients with learning disabilities to self-manage lower limb lymphoedema.

, Lymphoedema Clinical Nurse Specialist and Service Lead, Community Lymphoedema Service, Manchester Local Care Organisation (kathryn.taylor3@mft.nhs.

Rethinking decongestive lymphoedema treatment during the pandemic.

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, lymphoedema and community clinicians have had to modify how they implement intensive treatments for patients with lymphoedema and chronic oedema. Using novel approaches to treat and move patients towards self-management regimes has enabled patients to be in control of their condition, particularly if they are unable to attend normal clinic appointments. This article explores how using Haddenham easywrap instead of time- and resource-intensive bandaging regimes, alongside the Haddenham LymphFlow Advance, as part of self-management programmes, can benefit patients' quality of life, reduce costs and resource use and enable patients to self-manage this long-term chronic condition more effectively.

Empowering patient self-management through tailored compression garment regimens.

Over recent years, compression wraps, also known as adjustable compression wrapping devices (ACWDs), have become an increasingly important part of lymphoedema management. Widely used in lymphoedema clinics, they are also now a popular treatment choice within tissue viability, as well as in practice and community nursing, where their cost- and resource-saving advantages are greatly appreciated. Easywrap from Haddenham Healthcare is a popular choice among both health professionals and patients, due to its low profile, making it a comfortable option for wearing beneath normal clothes, and its uncomplicated design, making it easy for patients to put on and take off themselves.

Assessing and managing patients with leg ulceration and oedema.

Leg ulcers are some of the most common wounds treated by the NHS. Ulceration is usually classified as being of venous or arterial origin. Arterial ulcers develop because of reduced arterial flow to the leg caused by peripheral arterial disease.

Outcomes of a new wrap compression system for patients with lower limb ulceration and oedema.

JOBST® FarrowWrap® is indicated in patients presenting with venous leg ulceration in combination with mild-to-moderate oedema. These symptoms result in significant physical and psychological problems and management can be costly in terms of duration of input and resources. This article will present four case studies demonstrating the benefits and outcomes for patients with lower limb issues and will consider how the product helps improve shape, reduce oedema, heal ulceration, improve quality of life in relation to the lower limb and encourage self-care.

Use of Haddenham Venex armsleeve for lymphoedema management in clinical practice.

Lymphoedema of the upper limb can be an unwelcome side effect of treatment for breast cancer, some skin cancers, as well as having non-cancer-related causes. Treatment focuses on patient self-management, and involves skin care, exercise, lymphatic drainage massage and compression. Lymphoedema is a chronic, life-long condition, and the correct choice of garment will influence treatment outcomes, enhancing concordance and improving quality of life.

Compression therapy for chronic oedema and venous leg ulcers: CoFlex TLC Calamine.

The prevalence of venous leg ulcers and chronic oedema is increasing because of the rise in the older population who have comorbidities. Managing and living with these conditions is extremely costly in resource and human terms and there is often a cyclical process of ulceration, healing and recurrence, resulting in significant physical and psychosocial morbidity. Identifying those at risk and advising on lifestyle changes to prevent progression of these conditions will help in avoiding high wound management and compression costs, nursing input and associated patient morbidity.

Challenges of lymphoedema management in an ageing population.

The risk of developing chronic oedema increases with age. Many factors affect the successful management of this condition, which a robust holistic assessment will identify. This article discusses some of the challenges and complications associated with managing this long-term condition, alongside comorbidities and the effects of ageing.

Compression therapy and exercise: enhancing outcomes.

Compression therapy is the main method used within the treatment and management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema. The increasing prevalence of the condition, which has multiple causes, such as genetic factors, age and external factors, require the effective management of the condition, and to enhance the management methods used to contain the condition. The use of exercise alongside the mainstay method of treatment (compression therapy) has been an underutilised area.

Mobiderm Autofit: an adjustable sleeve that enables patients to self-manage lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema can result in debilitating physical and psychosocial morbidity and when combined with other chronic comorbidity, often requires holistic, specialist management that encompasses all the complex and compounding problems. Self-care is an integral component of any treatment strategy, however, the patient must be fully prepared and ongoing support should be provided. Self-care consists of managing the symptoms of lymphoedema but should include other fundamental aspects of healthy living, for example, maintaining a healthy weight and activity levels.

Management of chronic oedema in patients with multiple morbidity.

Marie Todd, Lymphoedema Clinical Nurse Specialist, Specialist Lymphoedema Service, Glasgow, discusses the difficulties of caring for people with compounding conditions.

Identification, assessment and management of breast oedema after treatment for cancer.

Advances in breast cancer management, including breast-conserving surgery, have resulted in an increase in the incidence of breast oedema. However, this is addressed by professionals less often than arm lymphoedema. Breast oedema results in significant physical and psychological morbidity, makes finding a comfortably fitting bra very difficult, and can act as a reminder of the initial breast cancer diagnosis.

Managing ulceration and lymphorrhea in chronic oedema.

This clinical review article on the combined use of JOBST FarrowWrap and Cutimed® Sorbion® Sachet XL uses a case study methodology to demonstrate how effective this approach is in managing superficial ulceration and/or lymphorrhea in the presence of chronic oedema and lymphoedema. The blend of these symptoms causes significant physical and psychosocial issues for patients and is highly labour and resource intensive. However, there is often inadequate treatment choice leading to protracted input by nurses and delayed or failed healing.

Childhood lymphoedema and 'Lymphaletics': overcoming barriers.

Primary lymphoedema is a complex condition that causes tissue swelling, usually in one or more of the limbs, but lymphatic drainage of the head, trunk or deeper organs may also be affected. It can manifest in swelling at any time from birth meaning there are a number of children affected by this condition. While it is rare in childhood there are too few professionals experienced in diagnosis and treatment, which results in delays in identification and referral to appropriate services for diagnosis and treatment.

An overview of the use of compression in lower-limb chronic oedema.

Chronic oedema in the lower limbs can be a debilitating condition and has a negative effect on a patient's quality of life. As yet, there is no known cure for this condition; however, it can be controlled and managed, and its recurrence can be prevented. One of the most common and successful ways of managing this condition is the use of compression hosiery.

Treatment and outcomes of head and neck oedema referrals to a hospital-based lymphoedema service.

A retrospective review of all head and neck cancer-related lymphoedema (HNCRL) referrals from 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2013 was undertaken. HNCRL referrals significantly increased over a 4-year period. Lymphoedema clinic records were manually examined for the presentation of HNCRL, treatments provided, and outcomes.