Lymphostasis is usually called a violation of the outflow of lymph in the lower extremities. The disease can be hereditary and occur against the background of other diseases. Due to a failure in the process of outflow of the lymphatic fluid component, the legs begin to swell greatly.
Lymphedema is also called lymphedema. Based on statistical data, this disease is observed in ten percent of the world's population. If treated incorrectly or untimely, the disease can progress, leading to elephantiasis, which, in turn, causes not only psychological and physical suffering, but also often causes disability.
The development of lymphostasis of the lower extremities is influenced by many factors. The drainage of lymph may be impaired due to problems with the heart, kidneys, or as a result of hypoproteinemia. These diseases lead to a narrowing of the lymphatic vessels, as a result of which they poorly pass lymph and it lingers in the tissues, causing swelling.
Lymph can be retained in the legs due to venous insufficiency in the chronic stage, which appears with decompression varicose veins, arteriovenous fistulas and postthrombophlebic syndrome. When a large amount of fluid is removed, the vascular lymphatic network expands, resulting in decreased tone, and the valves responsible for distributing fluid throughout the lymphatic system do not work well.
Lymphostasis can be observed with congenital defects of the lymphatic system due to obstruction of the lymphatic vascular network, which is formed as a result of mechanical damage, compression or inflammation narrowing the lumen in the vessels.
The loss of tone of the vessels of the lymphatic system, observed with lymphadenitis, leads to the fact that they expand and the normal functioning of the valves of other vessels is disrupted. As a result, lymph stagnation occurs and severe swelling appears.
For breast cancer, mastectomy is often performed, which, in turn, is complicated by lymphedema of the upper and lower extremities. Often, a mastectomy is performed on the armpit. Surgeons remove lymph nodes affected by cancer cells and, due to the fact that now there is “no one to control” the lymph flow, the fluid stagnates and the hands begin to swell. If metastases are found in the groin area, the lymph nodes will be removed there, resulting in lymphedema of the lower extremities.
Stagnation of lymph can also cause prostate cancer, in which the inguinal nodes are removed and radiation therapy is performed, leading to problems in the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic drainage may be impaired due to streptococcal lymphangitis, which is recurrent in nature and as a result of infection with parasitic infectious diseases.
In tropical countries, problems with the lymphatic system can be caused by mosquitoes that carry lymphatic filariasis, which affects and leads to enlarged lymph nodes, fever, severe pain and widespread swelling.
Depending on the causes of lymphedema, it can be primary or secondary.
In the primary type, the disease can be either congenital or acquired. In the case of a congenital anomaly, the disease may manifest itself in infancy or adolescence.
In the secondary type, the development of the disease can be influenced by the following factors:
Lymphostasis has three stages of development:
Common symptoms of lymphedema include:
Ultrasound examination of veins
If the patient has symptoms characteristic of the disease, then in order to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound of the venous network of the lower extremities. In addition, an ultrasound of the peritoneum and pelvis may be prescribed so that changes in organs and diseases that can cause lymphedema can be detected.
The patient also needs to undergo X-ray lymphography and lymphoscintigraphy and undergo general blood and urine tests. The first two studies allow you to see how good the vessels are, and where the lymphatic block is located. In addition, they allow you to determine whether there are any vascular changes, examine their area of tortuosity and view them for valvular insufficiency and lymphangiectasia.
The surgeon can conduct differential studies to determine whether there is deep vein thrombosis and post-phlebic syndrome, since these are the ones that cause unilateral lymphedema, with the presence of mild swelling, pigmentation, eczema and varicose veins in the legs. To exclude venous pathology, ultrasound examination of the venous network of the extremities is prescribed.
If necessary, the surgeon may prescribe examination of other organs in order to reduce relapses of the disease after it is eliminated.
Treatment of swelling is aimed at gradually restoring the outflow of lymph from diseased limbs. Often such treatment is presented:
In addition, with edema, patients should:
Drug therapy includes drugs:
If the limbs begin to become covered with wounds and trophic ulcers, therapy to eliminate them is also carried out along with the main treatment. When a diagnosis of lymphedema is made, it is necessary to carefully care for the feet in order to prevent lymphangitis. For this purpose, you should contact a podiatrist to periodically carry out a medical hardware pedicure with special therapeutic agents.
If conservative methods do not produce favorable results and the disease continues to progress, there are extensive ulcers and deforming lymph sacs, urgent surgery is necessary. It is aimed at microsurgical expansion of vascular lumens and liposuction.
In case of primary lymphedema, the patient is prescribed a lymphoid tissue transplant. If the patient has obvious elephantiasis, then radical surgical interventions are not performed. He is shown tunneling the affected tissues in order to drain the lymph into healthy tissue areas. Resection may also be used.
In order not to start the disease at its first signs, you need to immediately consult a doctor in order to prevent complications and get rid of the disease faster.
A fairly large number of people have swollen feet. When swelling of the foot or lower leg with tense veins is observed in the evening, and in the morning the swelling disappears, then there is little good in this: these are distant harbingers of varicose veins or thrombophlebitis... But if the swelling becomes more noticeable every day and does not go away in the morning, then here an equally alarming diagnosis is likely - lymphostasis of the lower extremities.
Doctors call lymphostasis a pathology of the lymphatic system, which is expressed in the complete cessation of lymph circulation (lymph flow). That is, lymph ceases to perform its functions and carry out constant drainage of body tissues. And edema is a clinical manifestation of this pathological process. In this case, the legs suffer the most, and in women five times more often than in men.
Lymphostasis of the lower extremities (lymphedema, lymphedema) is a chronic disease with swelling of only one or both legs. The disease does not go away on its own, but progresses into an irreversible form, in which the formation of fibrous tissue leads to thickening of the legs - elephantiasis (elephantism).
Among the factors contributing to the development of leg lymphostasis, experts name kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, pathologically low levels of total protein in the blood (hypoproteinemia), varicose veins, damage to lymphatic vessels with their blockage or compression (for example, tumors or inflammatory infiltrates).
The cause of lymphostasis of the lower extremities may lie in chronic damage to the lymphatic vessels by streptococcus and other microorganisms against the background of weakened immunity. In addition, congenital defects of the lymphatic system can be the cause of lymphostasis.
With a congenital anomaly, lymphostasis is called primary, and the disease begins to make itself felt in childhood, worsening with age. Acquired lymphostasis of the lower extremities is defined as secondary and appears, as a rule, only on one leg - due to trauma, inflammation, tumors of the lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels, previous radiation therapy or surgical treatment of the vessels of the extremity. Lymphostasis of the lower extremities during pregnancy is most often observed when disorders of the lymph circulation in the expectant mother are congenital in nature, and this is primary lymphedema.
It should be noted that impaired outflow of lymphatic fluid during lymphostasis is accompanied not only by edema. Lymph stagnation inhibits the removal of waste from tissue cells, and this, in turn, increases the acidity level of the skin, causing unpleasant itching sensations. As a result, the skin becomes thicker and denser, its protective function decreases, and microbes from the upper layer of the skin can easily penetrate into the subcutaneous tissue, causing various inflammations.
The course of lymphostasis of the lower extremities has three stages: reversible edema (lymphedema), irreversible edema (fibredema) and elephantiasis.
Typical localization of swelling in the first stage of the disease is the area of the ankle joint, the base of the toes and the muscle layer between the metatarsal bones on the back of the foot. The swelling is easily palpable, almost painless, the skin over the swollen area is pale and often forms a fold. In the cold season, after several hours of rest, swelling may almost disappear or significantly decrease.
The main symptom of lymphostasis of the lower extremities in the second stage (irreversible edema) is the spread of permanent swelling up the leg, which does not go away even after a long rest. Moreover, the nature of the swelling also changes: it becomes denser (pressure marks remain for a long time), and it is simply impossible to gather the skin into a fold. Patients with chronic lymphostasis of the lower extremities complain of pain and a feeling of heaviness in the affected leg. The leg begins to deform, and it becomes difficult for the patient to bend it when walking. And if you stay on your legs for a long time, you may experience cramps.
This stage occurs over a long period of time, and as the disease progresses, the skin of the affected limb darkens (sometimes with a bluish tint), the skin becomes tight and causes pain, and the stratum corneum of the epidermis thickens and becomes rough (hyperkeratosis).
Symptoms of elephantiasis, the third stage of lymphostasis of the lower extremities, are the proliferation of connective tissue in the skin, subcutaneous tissue and between the muscles of the leg and an increase in the volume of the leg so much that it resembles the limb of an elephant. At the same time, even the bones become thicker, and ulcerations and inflammation may appear on the skin.
Diagnosis of lymphostasis of the lower extremities begins, as usual, with a history and examination of the affected leg. A biochemical blood test and a urine test are also prescribed. To exclude possible chronic venous insufficiency or thrombosis of the blood vessels of the extremities, a duplex scan of the veins is done. To determine the exact size and structure of the lesion, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound of the soft tissues and blood vessels of the legs. As well as ultrasound of the abdominal and pelvic organs - to identify provoking or concomitant pathologies.
For the purpose of a more detailed examination of the state of the patient’s lymphatic system, as well as to confirm the final diagnosis, lymphography or lymphoscintigraphy can be used, which give a clear picture of the lymphatic vessels of the extremities and the degree of their patency.
Where is lymphostasis of the lower extremities treated? In specialized clinics or departments of clinics with a wide profile, where there are lymphologists or phlebologists. In the treatment of this disease, amateur performance is fraught with disability. After all, the appearance of persistent swelling of the legs can be a symptom of many other diseases, so the first priority is to make the correct diagnosis. And only specialists can do this.
Treatment of lymphostasis of the lower extremities is not an easy matter, and doctors are fighting this disease simultaneously in two directions - physical and medicinal. Thus, complex treatment of lymphostasis of the lower extremities includes, first of all, an attempt to mechanically rid the lymphatic system of excess volumes of lymph.
To do this, patients are advised to keep the sore leg elevated as often as possible, and to place a bolster or pillow under it at night.
Massage is also prescribed for lymphostasis of the lower extremities. This is not just a massage, but a special lymphatic drainage massage (manual lymphatic drainage), which activates the contraction of lymphatic vessels and thereby helps the movement of lymph. Due to this, leg swelling is significantly reduced, and the volume of the affected leg during the first two stages of lymphostasis of the lower extremities (lymphedema and fibroedema) can be reduced by 10-15 cm.
In addition, hardware massage is used - pneumocompression. At the same time, a prerequisite for achieving positive results from physiotherapeutic methods of treating lymphostasis of the lower extremities is the use of special bandaging - bandaging. To do this, the attending physician selects an elastic bandage of appropriate density or medical compression hosiery in the form of special stockings and knee socks.
The main task of treating lymphostasis of the lower extremities is the maximum possible restoration of lymph outflow from the tissues of the diseased leg. For this purpose, so-called phlebotonic drugs are used, the pharmacological action of which is aimed at improving lymphatic drainage and microcirculation in tissues.
The most common of them (including in European medical practice) is the bioflavonoid detralex (diosmin, phlebodia, vasoket). The drug Detralex is used to treat symptoms of venous-lymphatic insufficiency: one tablet twice a day (with meals). The course of treatment is from two to six months. The medicine has practically no side effects, except for diarrhea and dyspepsia in case of individual intolerance. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is acceptable.
Such drugs for lymphostasis of the lower extremities as troxerutin, troxevasin, paroven, venoruton are effective in the treatment of edema in the first and second stages of the disease.
They increase the tone of the veins and improve their lymphatic drainage function. Troxerutin gel is applied in the morning and evening to the skin of the swollen area of the leg, gently massaging until completely absorbed (the drug is applied only to intact skin). Troxevasin is taken 1 capsule 3 times a day.
The homeopathic drug lymphomasot stimulates metabolism, improves lymphatic drainage and enhances the removal of toxins from tissues. Release form: tablets for oral or sublingual administration, as well as drops. Dose for adults - 10 drops 2-3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. Lymphomyosot N in ampoules of 1.1 ml is intended for injection: adults are prescribed one ampoule up to three times a week, in case of acute illness - daily. This medicine is contraindicated for thyroid diseases.
Glycoside saponin from horse chestnut fruit is the basis of the venotonic and anti-exudative drug escin (other trade names are aescin, venoplant, escusan, venastat, venitan, Theiss Venen gel). The drugs have different release forms. So, venastat in tablet form is taken - 40 mg 3 times a day after meals, washed down with plenty of water. Venastat gel is applied to the skin of the affected areas of the extremities several times a day. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, renal failure, early pregnancy, lactation, renal dysfunction.
Side effects of the drug include: feeling of heat, nausea, skin rash, urticaria, swelling of the subcutaneous tissue.
In the drug treatment of lymphostasis of the lower extremities, drugs for systemic enzyme therapy (Wobenzym, phlogenzyme) are used, which have anti-inflammatory, decongestant and fibrinolytic effects and increase immunity. The dose of Wobenzym is 5 tablets three times a day 40 minutes before meals (with a glass of water). Flogenzym is taken 3 times a day, 2 tablets, half an hour before meals, also with plenty of water.
Specialists use diuretics (diuretics) in the treatment of lymphostasis of the lower extremities with caution, since the fluid that accumulates in the tissues (transudate) during lymphatic edema is characterized by the ability to quickly gain lost volume. So diuretics (for example, furasemide) are not always prescribed for lymphedema.
In case of inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue (erysipelas) or lymphatic vessels (lymphangitis) accompanying lymphostasis of the lower extremities, injections of antibacterial drugs of the penicillin, oxytetracycline and sulfonamides group are used.
If complex treatment of lymphostasis of the lower extremities does not give the desired effect and lymph sacs and fibrosis appear on the affected leg, then surgeons get down to business. During the operation, bypass pathways are created for the outflow of lymph (lymphovenous anastomoses), and this makes it possible to significantly improve the condition of patients with chronic lymphostasis of the lower extremities.
A proven and very effective folk remedy for treating lymphostasis of the lower extremities is compresses with baked onions and birch tar. To do this, you need to bake the onion in the husk in the oven, peel it and mix it with a tablespoon of birch tar (you can buy it at the pharmacy). The mass is applied to a cotton cloth and applied (fixed with a bandage) to the sore spot overnight. The course of such procedures lasts two months.
In folk medicine there is a recipe for a medicinal infusion, for the preparation of which you should take 350 g of honey and 250 g of chopped garlic. The mixture is infused for one week, and then taken for two months, a tablespoon three times a day - an hour before meals.
A decoction of plantain leaves (1 part), dandelion leaves (1 part) and immortelle flowers (2 parts) is recommended. The mixture of medicinal plants is poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water, left for 5-6 hours and taken 100 ml 4 times a day before meals for a month.
It is useful to drink this drink twice a day: add a tablespoon of natural apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of bee honey to a glass of warm boiled water.
When treating lymphostasis of the lower extremities, the main task is to, through the integrated use of all methods (physiotherapy, bandaging, medications), free the lymphatic system of the legs from excess lymphatic fluid and restore lymph circulation in the affected lower extremities.
Long-term use of anti-inflammatory and diuretic drugs, as well as drugs aimed at increasing the tone of the veins and improving the rheological properties of the blood (that is, reducing blood viscosity), unfortunately, does not always lead to the desired result.
Experts note that in the complex treatment of lymphostasis of the lower extremities, including its extremely severe form - elephantiasis, it is advisable to use hirudotherapy: with the help of medicinal leeches, the lymphatic drainage function of the veins can be significantly improved. The use of leeches increases the overall therapeutic effect of treatment, since swelling and tension of the lower extremities are reduced. This prolongs the period of remission of patients and increases their level of activity.
Leeches are placed - 3-5 pieces twice a week (the course of treatment is 8-10 sessions) - on the collecting lymphatic vessels (lymphatic collectors) and in places corresponding to the projection of the venous system of the legs. As a result of the therapeutic effect of leeches, collateral (roundabout) lymph flow is stimulated, since additional lymphatic vessels, which were not the main routes of lymph outflow, are connected to the removal of excess lymph from the tissues of the affected limbs.
However, some lymphologist specialists note that treatment of lymphostasis of the lower extremities with leeches is useless, since leeches are not able to relieve swelling.
We talked about the need and effectiveness of special massage above, and now about the benefits of exercise therapy for lymphostasis of the lower extremities. There is no way to cope without physical therapy for such a diagnosis. Doctors say that it is best for such people to practice swimming or “Nordic walking” (with ski poles). But there are also gymnastics for lymphostasis of the lower extremities.
The following exercises for lymphostasis of the lower extremities are recommended to be done twice a day for 10-15 minutes. These exercises should only be performed with a compression bandage (or compression stockings).
So let's begin. The first and main exercise is “bicycle with one leg.” It is done lying down, with the healthy leg completely at rest. Here you will have to remember how to ride a bicycle, and not be lazy to move not only the hip joint, but also the ankle joint - as if you were pressing the pedals - bending and unbending the sole of the foot.
The following exercise (and all others) are performed while sitting on the floor (15-20 times):
As you can see, the exercises are simple, the main thing is to do gymnastics for lymphostasis of the lower extremities every day.
Nutrition for lymphostasis of the lower extremities is of great importance, since in the vast majority of cases this disease affects people with excess body weight.
The diet for lymphostasis of the lower extremities involves limited consumption of salt and liquid. As you know, excessively salty foods contribute to the accumulation of fluid in tissues and complicate recovery.
Nutritionists advise consuming no more than 100 g of protein of plant and animal origin per day. Next - fats. Patients with this diagnosis should eat at least 10 g of animal fat and 20 g of vegetable oil per day.
To reduce calories, you need to limit your carbohydrate intake, so give up bread made from wheat flour (loaves, buns, etc.), sugar, pasta, semolina and rice porridge, not to mention candy, halva and ice cream. But fermented milk products, as well as cabbage, zucchini, pumpkin, carrots, beets, apples and citrus fruits, are not only good for your health, but also very tasty.
Portnov Alexey Alexandrovich
Education: Kiev National Medical University. A.A. Bogomolets, specialty - "General Medicine"
It is better to start treatment of lymphostasis at the initial stage of its appearance, then it will be more effective. But if it was not possible to start treatment in time, then the disease must still be treated by a doctor.
Lymphatic edema causes impaired lymphatic drainage. Failure of lymph outflow causes its accumulation in the tissue, which provokes swelling. This pathology can be acquired or congenital. This disease goes by names such as:
Lymphedema of the legs can be caused by various factors and is divided into types.
Lymphostasis is divided into primary and secondary. The primary form implies the presence of congenital pathologies or deficiencies in the lymphatic system. With such lymphostasis, signs appear either immediately after the birth of a child, or during puberty of a teenager.
Lymphatic swelling of the legs with secondary lymphostasis can be caused by:
Lymphostasis is divided into 3 stages of development. The first is the easiest to treat. It is caused by the periodic appearance of edema, which develops in the evening and disappears by the beginning of the next day or after the person has rested.
Intense exercise and long periods of time spent in one position can increase the swelling of the first stage. For these reasons, lymph stagnates in the legs. At this stage, the connective tissue has not yet grown or changed. Timely treatment under the supervision of a doctor will give good results.
The second stage implies moderate severity of the disease. This lymphostasis is characterized by the presence of swelling, which will not disappear on its own. At the same time, the connective tissue begins to grow, the skin becomes stretched and thickened, and pain appears. Lymph stagnates, which contributes to the appearance of cramps and rapid fatigue of the legs.
With third-degree lymphostasis, the disruption of lymph outflow becomes irreversible. Damaged tissues are susceptible to fibrocystic changes, and elephantiasis begins to develop. Lymph stagnates in significant quantities, which means that the normal functioning of the diseased limb is out of the question.
This stage involves the development of:
If the case is very severe, then the development of sepsis is possible, which can lead to death. Lymphostasis of the third stage can provoke the development of a disease such as lymphosarcoma.
Lymphostasis can manifest itself not only by the appearance of edema, it is also possible to observe:
For lymphostasis, treatment is aimed at restoring the normal functioning of lymph outflow. Lymphostasis is usually treated:
Treatment also includes:
For lymphostasis, treatment includes medications, the following are prescribed:
During the development of trophic ulcers and eczema, their treatment is carried out in parallel. If lymph that has stagnated in the legs has caused swelling of the legs, then in order to prevent the development of lymphangitis it is necessary to take special care of the feet. In this case, a medical hardware pedicure should be performed, in which special hygiene products are used.
If fungal infections are observed, the use of antifungal drugs is necessary. Moreover, these drugs should not only be taken orally; for a full effect, topical drugs are also needed.
If treatment with conservative methods does not bring results, the disease progresses, fibrosis develops and deforming lymph sacs are observed, then surgical intervention is required. During this intervention, lymphovenous anastomoses are created, dermatofasciolipectomy and liposuction are performed.
In case of severe elephantiasis, radical operations are excluded. In this case, it is possible to tunnel the affected part of the body so that the lymph can flow to free tissues.
If the lymph that has stagnated in the legs has caused swelling, then you can try treatment with folk remedies. Proven and effective remedies include onion compress. To prepare it, you need to bake a whole onion, not peeled, in the oven, peel and crush. Add tar (1 tbsp), apply the mixture to the fabric. Apply, secure with a bandage, and leave overnight. Such procedures will have to be completed for 60 days.
Folk remedies can relieve swelling of the legs not only with the help of compresses. Infusions are also effective. Mix 250 grams of crushed garlic with 350 grams of honey, let it brew for a week, take an hour before meals 3 times a day for 60 days.
Herbs are also folk remedies that relieve swelling of the legs. These herbs include:
Pour a collection of these herbs into half a liter of boiling water, leave for 6 hours and drink half a glass 4 times a day before meals.
The following drink is useful. Pour natural apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp) and the same amount of bee honey into warm boiled water (1 tbsp).
Treatment with folk remedies, as well as with medications, does not always give a positive effect. Therefore, in addition to surgical intervention, hirudotherapy is used. This is the name for treatment using leeches. Even in advanced stages, they will help improve the lymphatic drainage functioning of the veins.
After their use, the overall therapeutic effect increases and swelling decreases. Legs become less tense. All this helps to prolong the remission period and increase the level of activity of patients.
Naturally, if swelling of any part of the body occurs, you should consult a doctor. After all, the reason may lie in the fact that lymph has accumulated in this part of the body, and this leads to quite serious consequences, which in some cases can lead to death.
The Dr. Savinov Phlebology Center provides treatment for lymphostasis of the lower extremities in accordance with European standards, as well as using the most modern equipment for hardware lymphatic drainage massage BTL (England).
Our specialists were the first in Crimea to introduce treatment for lymphostasis using the Foeldi method (Germany). Get treatment from professionals, with experience since 2011, we have helped more than 600 patients gain freedom and ease of movement.
You can see other treatment results, as well as read reviews about us.
The main difference between our center is our approach and experience. Patients receive comprehensive treatment for leg lymphostasis according to European standards .
The method of complex physical decongestive therapy (CPDT) is the gold standard and is recognized by the international community as the most effective method of conservative treatment of lymphedema ( T he diagnosis and treatment of peripheral lymphedema: 2013 consensus document of the international Society of Lymphology )
Lymphostasis of the leg is a chronic swelling of soft tissues that occurs due to impaired lymph outflow. Lymphedema, lymphostasis, lymphedema, elephantiasis of the leg are synonymous. As the swelling progresses, it increases and can lead to complications (erysipelas, lymphorrhea, etc.)
After treatment of lymphostasis, patients return to a normal lifestyle, which is the main indicator of the work of our lymphologists and specialists in complex anti-edematous therapy
Advantages of treatment at Dr. Savinov’s center
Allows you to achieve a significant reduction in swelling of the affected limb in a short period of time.
Prevent the development of lymphostasis of the thigh, leg or foot, the occurrence of complications, improve the functioning of the affected lymphatic system, prepare the limb for further maintenance therapy and, most importantly, improve the patient’s quality of life.
Treatment is carried out by specially trained medical personnel under the supervision of a lymphologist .
The course usually includes at least 10 procedures (2 working weeks), the entire process of treatment of lymphostasis of the thigh or lower leg is carried out on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization).
The doctor prescribes maintenance therapy , which includes wearing compression stockings and recommendations aimed at preventing swelling. An examination schedule is drawn up for each patient. Sometimes 1 more course of therapy may be required over the course of a year, and in more advanced stages 2 courses of complex treatment per year.
The feasibility and effectiveness of therapy largely depends on the severity of the disease. If you start treatment at the initial manifestations, you can achieve a lasting reduction in swelling and long-term remission. The best results are possible at stages I-II of the disease.
It is worth remembering that lymphostasis is a chronic disease that constantly progresses and without adequate treatment necessarily leads to the development of complications. In the initial stages, swelling increases, a feeling of fullness and heaviness appears, and pain in the leg intensifies. In the future, bacterial damage to skin areas, cellulite and erysipelas may occur, and the disease passes from one stage to another.
The older the disease, the more limited mobility is; in advanced cases, the function of the limb is completely lost.
Comfortable accommodation for out-of-town patients. Nonresident patients of our center and their relatives can stay in apartments on the territory of our center throughout the entire course of treatment. With comfort and at affordable prices.
All inclusive. You pay once and receive a full package of medical services. The cost of treatment includes all medications, consumables, including compression hosiery (Medi) of the 3rd compression class for the treatment of lymphostasis.
Our specialized salon offers compression hosiery from the world's leading brand Medi. This is, without exaggeration, one of the best knitwear companies that you can purchase in Crimea at affordable prices.
The cost of treatment of lymphostasis starts from 25,000 rubles.
You can make an appointment and treatment for lymphostasis or call +7 978 731 21 01 (Crimea, Simferopol).
The causes of lymphostasis of the lower extremities are very relevant for a large number of people, because this disease occurs quite often. Lymphostasis of the legs is a disease that is characterized by the appearance of swelling in the lower extremities as a result of a disrupted process of lymph outflow. This disease is currently observed in almost 13% of the total population of the planet.
If you suspect a disease such as lymphostasis (lymphedema), you should seek medical help. After all, such an illness can reduce a person’s quality of life and sometimes even lead to disability.
Lymphostasis of the lower extremities may have the following causes:
Lymphostasis, or as lymphedema of the lower extremities is also called, can occur in humans in two forms:
In addition, the disease is divided into three degrees of complexity:
Symptoms of lymphostasis of the lower extremities at the initial stage are characterized by the appearance of slight swelling of one or both legs, which can often appear closer to the evening. However, after resting by the morning, previously noticed swelling may disappear. But swelling can also be observed after prolonged stress on the legs.
If the disease begins to progress, the following symptoms can be observed:
Anyone who experiences similar symptoms should seek medical help immediately. After all, if there are symptoms of a diagnosis of lymphostasis of a similar nature, then it can easily be eliminated at this stage.
If treatment for lymphostasis of the lower extremities is ignored, complications may arise that will greatly spoil a person’s quality of life. A disease such as elephantiasis may develop, which sharply reduces the mobility of the legs, and sometimes even leads to a wheelchair.
A person may also have the following complications:
In addition, in rare cases, death is possible due to the possible occurrence of sepsis (blood poisoning).
From the moment a person seeks medical help, a specialist conducts a visual examination of the patient’s legs.
After this, a thorough diagnosis is prescribed, which includes:
Before treating lymphostasis of the lower extremities, the specialist selects medications individually for each patient that will not cause an allergic reaction. This is due to the fact that the main task is to normalize the lymphatic vessels and nodes, so many medications can be used for treatment.
The basis of drug therapy are drugs - phlebotonics, which stimulate microcirculation in tissues, which helps reduce swelling of the lower limb. However, treatment of lymphostasis with drugs, phlebotonics, is effective only in the first stage of the disease.
In addition, the patient is prescribed a number of drugs that have anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effects.
Treatment of the disease is not complete without the use of diuretics, which effectively combat the disease, but can only be used after the appointment of a specialist. After all, if diuretics are used independently, you can only worsen your condition.
For lymphostasis of the lower extremities, lymphatic drainage massage is used in conjunction with drug treatment. This procedure is considered almost irreplaceable in the treatment of lymphedema. This is due to the fact that with the help of special manipulations, the vessels through which the lymph flows are reduced. This massage allows you to increase the outflow of lymph, as a result of which the swelling of the lower limb will regress.
Pneumocompression massage is also used. This method of physiotherapy allows you to achieve noticeable results, but only when using so-called bandaging.
In addition to these remedies, the patient must engage in therapeutic physical education (PT). Regular exercise not only promotes lymph outflow, but also avoids muscle atrophy.
Exercise therapy includes the following types of leg exercises:
These exercises are quite easy, so it is recommended to perform them several times a day.
Lymphostasis is a rather serious disease, the treatment of which should in no case be postponed until “later”. After all, this disease can limit a person’s movement, which can significantly affect not only health, but also the fullness of life. That is why, at the first signs of this disease, you should immediately seek help.
Swelling of the lower extremities is not uncommon nowadays. Almost everyone has complained about this pathology at least once in their life. It manifests itself in severe swelling of the foot and lower leg, as well as in tense veins protruding throughout the entire limb. As a rule, after an overnight rest, swelling begins to disappear, but pathological cases are still possible when swelling does not go away either the next day or after a week. This means that the person has developed lymphostasis of the lower extremities.
Lymphostasis is a pathological formation of the human lymphatic system, which is characterized by a complete or partial cessation of lymph flow. To explain it in simpler terms, lymph stops flowing to the necessary organs and tissues and, accordingly, does not provide them with nutrition and full functioning. In this case, the legs begin to rapidly swell, which is a pathological manifestation of lymphostasis. According to statistics, lymphostasis occurs much more often in women than in men.
Lymphostasis of the lower extremities is an acute chronic disease that is characterized by the formation of edema in one or both legs. This disease does not go away on its own, but only progresses and makes a person’s life even more difficult. As a result of this process, fibrous tissue begins to form on the patient’s legs, which leads to degenerative thickening of the limbs. In medicine, this phenomenon is defined as elephantiasis or elephantism.
There are several main factors that influence the development of lymphostasis of the extremities:
In some cases, lymphostasis of the lower extremities begins due to streptococci and other pathogenic microorganisms entering the body. All this, as a rule, occurs against the background of a decrease in the body’s protective functions, that is, weakening of the immune system. In addition, among the causes of lymphostasis it will be possible to distinguish congenital pathologies (defects) of the lymph.
If a person has any congenital anomaly, then lymphostasis begins to bother the person in childhood and the pathology only worsens with age. It is possible that lymphostasis may be acquired and in this case it spreads only to one limb. As a rule, this occurs as a result of a leg injury, an inflammatory process, the development of tumors of the lymphatic vessels, and also after a surgical operation that caused complications.
You can often find lymphostasis of the extremities in a pregnant woman. If the outflow of lymph is obstructed in the body, then this can be understood not only by extensive swelling, but also by the itching of the skin that occurs. As a result of this pathological process, human skin becomes significantly thicker and thicker, which leads to a decrease in protective functions. This condition threatens because microbes, viruses, and infections penetrate the skin and provoke an inflammatory process in this area.
Lymphostasis of the lower extremities occurs in 3 main stages: reversible, irreversible and the final stage – elephantiasis. As soon as the pathology begins to affect a person’s limbs, the first signs can be found in the ankle joint, at the base of the fingers, and also near the foot. A person can independently feel some kind of compaction in this place and see swelling of the legs. The skin in the area affected by lymphostasis is inflamed and pale. At this stage, swelling may appear and then disappear after a long night's rest.
In the second stage, the swelling begins to rapidly spread throughout the limb and does not go away after the person devotes several hours to sleep. Moreover, the swelling becomes very dense, and you can see a small mark from pressing on the skin. A characteristic sign of stage 2 lymphostasis is that the skin cannot be folded, it is so tense. Patients at stage 2 of chronic damage to the extremities with lymphostasis begin to complain of severe pain in the extremities, as well as an acute feeling of heaviness in the leg. Over time, the limb begins to deform significantly and the patient can no longer bend the leg while walking. If a person is on his feet for a long time, this leads to the appearance of cramps in all legs.
Stage 2 lymphostasis of the extremities can last for a long period of time and as this disease develops, the skin on the legs begins to rapidly darken. In some cases, they turn blue, become very tight (there is a feeling that it is about to burst) - all these factors provoke the occurrence of severe, almost unbearable pain. The upper skin, that is, the epidermis, rapidly thickens and then begins to coarse. This condition is medically defined as hyperkeratosis.
If a person consciously ignores the painful state of his body, then in this case, grade 2 lymphostasis smoothly flows into grade 3 pathology. This is the so-called elephantiasis stage, that is, connective tissue begins to rapidly grow inside the skin. It begins to penetrate the leg muscles and increase their volume to gigantic proportions. It becomes painful for a person to move, the legs and bones become disproportionately thick and inflammatory processes begin to develop on them.
Lymphostasis is treated by specialist lymphologists and phlebologists. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate, otherwise it may lead to disability. Before starting treatment, it will be necessary to conduct a thorough, complete diagnosis, which will indicate or deny the presence of lymphostasis of the extremities.
Therapy for lymphostasis is carried out exclusively in 2 directions: medicinal and physical. Diosmin, Vasoket, Phlebodia, and Detralex are those drugs that help restore lymph flow and remove swelling from the lower extremities. Exclusively at stages 1 and 2 of lymphostasis, medications in the form of Troxerutin, Paroven and Venoruton will be effective.