Lymphedema is the chronic swelling of an extremity or other parts of the body caused by a deficiency in the flow of lymph fluid from the affected area. Lymphedema develops in patients due to the surgical removing of lymph nodes such as a mastectomy or prostate surgery, by congenital defect, or by the destruction of extensive lymphatic pathways due to trauma, surgery or radiation.
Lymphedema can develop at any time, sometimes months or years after surgery, injury or radiation. Infections, rashes, or inflamed muscles cause the body to send extra healing fluid to the area of inflammation. As this extra fluid with other tissue waste, the extremity swells and hardens. In addition, bacteria can multiply and spread infection rapidly.
Treatment for patients ranging from mild to severe cases is provided by Peak Performance physical therapists who are specially trained in lymphedema.
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