How to treat lymph stagnation in the legs at home - medication and folk remedies, massage and diet. Lymphedema of the legs is not a sentence. He is being treated by the pneumomassage machine "Lymph-E

Swelling of tissues, primarily subcutaneous tissue, due to stagnation of the lymph caused by congenital malformation or acquired damage to the lymphatic vessels. leads to the onset of a chronic inflammatory process of varying severity with concomitant hypertrophy of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Clinical picture: lymphedema due to lymphadenectomy or infection usually develops after a latent period of several months or even years. Doughy and malleable at first, it tends to become harder over time. In patients with proximal lymphatic injury (eg, after lymphadenectomy), edema, especially at an early stage, may exclusively affect the proximal limb and adjacent quadrant of the trunk (shoulder and/or breast, thigh, and/or vulva).

Symptoms of Lymphedema

Symptoms characteristic of lymphedema of the lower extremities: the skin of the forefoot and the base of the second toe becomes hard, which makes it impossible to form a skin fold, swelling of the toes (in the form of sausages). With an increase in edema, the tendency to recurrence of bacterial infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (dermatolymphangitis) increases. Gradually, significant deformity of the affected limb (elephantiasis) may develop.

Diagnostics: in most cases - on the basis of the clinical picture. If necessary, lymphoscintigraphy is prescribed. An MRI or CT scan may be helpful in differential diagnosis. When making a differential diagnosis, consider: swelling of the subcutaneous fat (only in women, "columnar legs" - symmetrical accumulation of adipose tissue on the legs, with the exception of the feet), edema in venous insufficiency, positional edema (due to a long stay in a sitting or standing position at persons without venous insufficiency, myxomatous edema in hypothyroidism, pretibial myxedema in Graves-Basedow disease, cyclic idiopathic edema, edema in severe, with hypoalbuminemia, inflammatory.

Treatment of lymphedema

The main method is a complex treatment, including lymphatic drainage techniques, compression bandages and drainage exercises. Pneumatic compression may be used during treatment. In cases resistant to compression treatment, liposuction gives good results. Contraindications: acute inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, fresh deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities, decompensated congestive heart failure. After completion of the initial intensive treatment, patients should wear compression stockings or sleeves of the appropriate degree of compression during the day; sometimes it is necessary to apply bandages on the limb at night. Complicated skin and subcutaneous tissue infections should be treated empirically with antibiotics (eg, β-lactamase-resistant penicillin with a β-lactamase inhibitor), usually for 10 to 14 days, until symptoms resolve. To prevent recurrence of the infection, in addition to meticulous skin care and care of injuries, prophylactic antibiotic use, eg, benzathine benzylpenicillin (1.2 million units, im) every 2-3 weeks, may be required. for 1 year or longer.

- This is a pathology of the lymphatic system, accompanied by impaired lymph circulation and retention of lymphatic fluid in the tissues. With lymphostasis, tissue thickening, persistent edema and a noticeable thickening of the limb (lymphedema), skin ulcers occur. Determination of the cause of lymphostasis requires ultrasound of the small pelvis, abdominal cavity, vessels of the extremities, chest x-ray, lymphography, lymphoscintigraphy. Treatment of lymphostasis can be non-surgical (massage, compression therapy, hirudotherapy, medicines) and surgical (reconstruction of lymphovenous anastomoses).

X-ray lymphography, lymphoscintigraphy with Tc-99m, MRI, CT are used to determine the location of the lymphatic block and the patency of the vessels. These techniques make it possible to judge changes in the lymphatic bed, identify areas of tortuosity, lymphangiectasia, and valvular insufficiency.

Lymphostasis is differentiated from deep vein thrombosis and postphlebitic syndrome, in which the lymphedema is unilateral, the edema is soft, the presence of hyperpigmentation, varicose eczema and varicose veins is determined. To exclude venous pathology, ultrasound of the veins of the extremities is performed.

Treatment of lymphostasis

The goal of treating lymphostasis is to restore the outflow of lymph from the limbs or other organs. With lymphostasis, the appointment of manual lymphatic drainage massage, hardware pneumocompression, physiotherapy (magnetic therapy, laser therapy, hydromassage), selection and wearing of compression stockings is indicated. The patient is advised to follow a diet with salt restriction, exercise therapy, swimming, Nordic walking. From drug therapy, phlebotonics with lymphotropic action, enzymes, angioprotectors, immunostimulants are used. With trophic ulcers and eczema, their local treatment is carried out.

With lymphostasis, it is necessary to carefully care for the feet in order to prevent the development of lymphangitis. For this purpose, it is better to perform a medical hardware pedicure using special products for hygienic and therapeutic foot care. With the development of a fungal infection, antimycotic agents are prescribed, treatment of the legs with antifungal drugs.

The grounds for surgical treatment of lymphostasis may be the ineffectiveness of complex conservative therapy, the progression of lymphedema, the presence of severe fibrosis and deforming lymphatic sacs. With lymphostasis, they resort to microsurgical creation of lymphovenous anastomoses, liposuction and dermatofasciolipectomy.

In the case of primary lymphedema, transplantation of a full-fledged tissue lymphoid complex is indicated. With severe elephantiasis, which excludes the possibility of radical operations, tunneling of the affected areas is performed to divert lymph into healthy tissues, resection interventions.

Forecast and prevention

Failure to treat lymphedema contributes to even greater lymphatic tissue edema, impaired limb mobility, and the development of chronic infection. Regardless of the stage at which lymphostasis was diagnosed, patients require supervision by an angiosurgeon. Course maintenance therapy for lymphostasis should be carried out for life.

Careful care of the skin of the hands and feet, timely treatment of any wounds and prevention of their infection can prevent violation of lymph circulation in the limbs. Treatment of diseases of the kidneys, heart, venous vessels should be carried out in order to avoid decompensation of the pathology. To prevent the development of postoperative lymphedema, in recent years, mammology has abandoned total lymph node dissection during radical mastectomy and is limited to the removal of sentinel lymph nodes.

As a rule, pain and swelling of the lower extremities disappear by morning, but if this does not happen, or does not occur fully, you should think about it and start a serious examination, during which lymphostasis of the lower extremities can be detected. According to statistics, about 10% of the world's people suffer from this disease.

A little about the lymphatic system

The connection between the cardiovascular and lymphatic networks is undoubted, since the latter is part of the circulatory network. The lymphatic system is represented by a network of vessels located throughout the body and through which lymph circulates. Lymph is formed in the process of filtration of blood plasma, that is, the liquid penetrates into the intercellular space, and from there, together with coarse proteins of the interstitial space, it enters the lymphatic capillaries, and then into the lymphatic network, where the lymph is "cleansed" (in the lymph nodes), and again flows into circulatory system in the region of the lower parts of the neck.

The lymphatic system has its own "duties":

with its help, tissue fluid is evacuated from the interstitial space (prevention of edema);
together with the proteins of the interstitial space through the subclavian veins transports tissue fluid back into the bloodstream;
participates in the transfer of fats from the small intestine into the blood;
synthesizes lymphocytes, which are part of the body's defense mechanism;
filters tissue fluid in the lymph nodes and removes toxins, microorganisms, tumor cells, foreign substances from it;
involved in the formation of antibodies.

The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic capillaries, vessels, nodes, trunks and ducts. With any damage to the lymphatic tract (sticking, blockage or overgrowth), the free outflow of lymphatic fluid from the tissues is disturbed, which leads to edema, which later turns into lymphostasis.

Lymphostasis of the lower extremities: definition

A pathological condition in which swelling of the tissues of the area involved in the process (in this case, the lower limbs) increases is called lymphostasis of the legs or lymphedema (lymphedema). This disease is caused by a violation of the outflow of fluid through the lymphatic vessels, which leads to its stagnation in the tissue space and edema. Among patients with peripheral vascular pathology, 3–7% are people with leg lymphostasis.

Lymphedema classification

There are primary and secondary lymphostasis of the legs. And if the primary lymphostasis of the lower extremities is congenital, then the secondary one develops during life under the influence of any provoking factors. In turn, secondary lymphostasis is divided into youthful (occurs between 15 and 30 years old) and adult (develops after 30 years).

The reasons

Primary lymphostasis of the lower extremities has the following causes:

the diameter of the lymphatic vessels is very small;
insufficient number of lymphatic pathways;
anomalies of the lymphatic vessels (infection, obliteration, doubling);
amniotic constrictions, which lead to the formation of scars that compress blood vessels;
genetic predisposition to underdevelopment of the lymphatic system;
congenital tumor-like formations of the lymphatic system.

Secondary lymphostasis is caused by various diseases that lead to lymph stagnation and swelling of the lower extremities:

Lymphostasis of the legs in its development goes through three stages, which have different manifestations:

First stage

The initial phase of the disease is called mild or reversible edema and is called lymphedema. Swelling / swelling of the legs with lymphostasis appears in the area of the ankle joint, at the base of the fingers and between the bones of the metatarsus from the rear of the foot. Usually a similar phenomenon occurs in the evening and / or after exercise. The skin over the swollen place is pale, easily gathers into a fold when probing. There is no proliferation of connective tissue, and the edema itself is painless and quite mild. After sleep or rest, the leg / legs quickly return to normal.

Second stage

This stage is characterized by irreversible edema of the lower limb and is called fibroedema. The phase of irreversible edema proceeds slowly, up to several years, and is manifested by the growth of connective tissue. The edema “rises” upward, becomes quite dense, and the skin over it stretches and thickens, making it impossible to fold it. Edema is permanent, does not disappear at rest and is accompanied by pain or a feeling of heaviness during exercise.

At this stage, the lower limb begins to deform, the circumference of the leg increases significantly, and long standing leads to cramps in the calf muscles and joints of the foot. The skin becomes bluish, thickened (hyperkeratosis), and warty outgrowths may appear. Complications of this stage are wounds and ulcers in places of constant friction of the skin (contact with clothing, skin folds), they become inflamed and constantly ooze lymph. The difference between the diameters of a healthy and diseased leg can reach 50 cm.

Third stage

This is the final and most severe phase of the disease. At this stage, the disease is called elephantiasis or elephantiasis (elephantism). It is characterized by a significant proliferation of connective tissue under the edema, the skin becomes very dense and rough, “like an elephant”, stretched and casts blue. The affected limb is greatly enlarged in size, its contours are lost, and fibrosis and cystic changes develop in the soft tissues. The leg becomes like an elephant and completely loses its function. Complications of the third stage include: the development of osteoarthritis, contractures, eczema, trophic non-healing ulcers and erysipelas.

In addition to local manifestations of lymphostasis of the lower extremities, there are also general symptoms:

general weakness;
fast fatiguability;
pain in the head;
tongue coated with white coating;
loss of attention and difficulty concentrating;
weight gain, obesity;
pain in the joints.

Diagnostics

After a thorough collection of anamnesis and complaints, a vascular surgeon (angiosurgeon, phlebologist or lymphologist) examines the lower extremities and prescribes additional examination methods:

Lymphography

Refers to X-ray methods of examination. It consists in introducing a gap (between 1 and 2 fingers) of the foot 1 - 2 cubes of lymphotropic dye, and then a transverse incision of about 2 cm is made between the bones of the metatarsus (1 and 2), in which the lymphatic vessels stained blue are visible. A radiopaque substance is injected into any of the visible vessels, and pictures are taken.

Lymphography allows you to determine the number of vessels, their shape and patency, the connection of collateral vessels and spare ones, the permeability of the wall of the lymphatic vessel. If there is a uniform filling of the vessel with contrast with a preserved diameter of its diameter along the entire length, then one speaks of the preservation of patency and damage to the contractile apparatus.

With primary lymphostasis, underdevelopment of blood vessels is noted
In the secondary, there is a disturbed course of the vessels, altered forms, filling the skin network with contrast and spreading the substance into the subcutaneous tissue (extravasation).

Lymphoscintigraphy

This is a method of radioisotope diagnostics (an isotope substance is injected into the subcutaneous tissue, from where it enters the lymphatic network, then pictures are taken with a special gamma camera). The method allows you to monitor the state of the lymphatic system in dynamics and determine the nature of the lymph flow: collateral, main or diffuse, as well as complete lymphostasis, assess the patency of the vessels, their tortuosity and the condition of the valves.

Dopplerography of the vessels of the lower extremities

Or duplex scanning of blood vessels - ultrasound examination of blood vessels using the Doppler effect (allows you to differentiate venous and lymphatic edema).

Other tests

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs- Identification of inflammatory diseases or tumors that disrupt the lymph flow.
Biochemical and general blood test- determination of blood proteins, liver enzymes, identification of signs of inflammation, etc.
General urine analysis- to exclude kidney pathology.
Heart study- Ultrasound, ECG of the heart are prescribed to detect / exclude cardiac pathology.

Treatment

With lymphostasis of the lower extremities, treatment is mandatory. Moreover, the earlier it is started, the higher the chances of success. Therapy of the disease is a complex task, which combines many techniques (medical nutrition, massage, medication, etc.) and is aimed at improving lymphatic drainage from the lower extremities.

All conservative methods of treatment are used only at stage 1 of the disease (lymphedema phase), when structural changes in the skin and connective tissue have not yet begun. How to treat lymphostasis depends on the cause that caused it. First of all, it is necessary (if possible) to eliminate the etiological factor (for example, in the presence of a pelvic tumor that compresses the lymphatic vessels, its removal is indicated). General recommendations for patients with this pathology:

it is strictly forbidden to visit a bath, sauna or sunbathe (thermal exposure contributes to the expansion of blood vessels, including lymphatic vessels, which worsens blood and lymph flow in the legs);
you can’t wear shoes with heels or with lacing (heels increase the load on the legs and worsen the lymph flow, and lacing pulls the soft tissues and blood vessels that pass through them, which also negatively affects the disease);
avoid heavy lifting and static loads (prolonged standing or sitting);
treat even minor skin lesions (including bites) with antiseptic solutions;
refuse to wear tight underwear and tight-fitting clothing (firstly, it contributes to squeezing of the lymphatic vessels, and, secondly, skin friction at the points of contact with clothing provokes the formation of trophic disorders);
you can’t sit, especially for a long time, with your legs crossed (by the way, the favorite position of women), since this position makes it difficult for lymph and blood flow in the legs and pelvic organs;
it is forbidden to walk barefoot outside the house (there is a high probability of damage to the skin of the feet and the formation of a long non-healing ulcer);
when taking a bath, use special oils (Balneum Plus), and after water procedures, wipe the skin of the legs with creams and lotions without fragrances and preservatives, which not only cleanses the skin, but also softens it, and also restores the protective barrier;
use powder (talc, baby powder) with severe sweating of the legs, which reduces sweating and the risk of developing trophic disorders;
timely and accurately cut toenails;
during the massage, avoid kneading techniques.

Therapeutic nutrition for lymphostasis

First of all, the treatment of the disease should begin with dietary adjustments, this is especially true for patients with obesity. The diet for lymphedema is aimed at limiting salt intake (sodium chloride causes fluid retention in the tissues and swelling) and spicy foods (cause thirst and increase fluid intake).

The amount of free fluid should be at least, but not more than 2 liters per day (tea and coffee should be replaced with herbal teas, compotes without sugar, fruit drinks), carbonated drinks should be excluded. You should also limit simple carbohydrates (bread, pastries, confectionery, sweets, etc.), which contributes to the addition of extra pounds, replacing them with complex ones (bread from wholemeal flour or bran, porridge in water or diluted milk: millet, barley, corn).

Increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits (you can bake, stew, but do not fry), give preference to salads from fresh vegetables seasoned with vegetable oil. Limit the intake of animal fats (about 10 grams per day), since saturated (animal) fats in large quantities impede lymph flow. And vegetable oils in the diet should be at least 20 grams. daily. In addition, an excess of animal fats provokes, which aggravates the course of lymphostasis.

Also in the diet there should be a sufficient amount of proteins of plant and animal origin, which is necessary for the formation of antibodies and strengthening immunity. From animal fats, preference is given to fermented milk products, sea and offal. Sources of vegetable protein are buckwheat, legumes and nuts.

Compression treatment and kinesiotherapy

Compression therapy consists in squeezing the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the diseased leg in such a way that the pressure force increases from the foot to the lower leg and thigh. During the day, the patient is advised to keep the affected leg in an elevated position if possible, and at night put a roller or pillow under it (creating an angle of 45%).

Compression is carried out by elastic bandaging of the lower limb and wearing an elastic stocking. The imposition of an elastic bandage is carried out in the morning, without getting out of bed, starting with each finger, then moving to the foot and then to the lower leg and thigh. At night, the leg is unbandaged (see).

The method of pneumocompression with the help of special devices is also used, which consists in sequential mechanical compression of the leg with a certain pressure. To do this, a special pneumatic boot is put on the sore leg, into which air is pumped in the direction from the foot to the thigh. The course relies on 10 - 14 procedures. After each session, light gymnastic exercises are carried out.

Kinesiotherapy is a lymphatic drainage massage and physiotherapy exercises. Massage with lymphostasis of the legs supports the lymph flow, "expels" the lymph from the edematous tissues, stimulates phagocytosis by macrophages, enhances the work of the capillary lymphatic pump. Also, with the help of massage, macromolecular substances that interfere with normal lymph flow are destroyed.

Lymphatic drainage massage is carried out by a specialist and is contraindicated in case of trophic disorders of the skin of the sore leg, vein thrombosis and in the presence of tumors and diseases of the internal organs. Self-massage is also allowed (in the initial stages). At home, massage is recommended after taking a warm bath, and after applying a special cream to the skin of the foot.

In the first 3 - 5 minutes, circular stroking movements are carried out (it is important to remember: the massage is performed along the lymph flow, that is, from the foot up), then rubbing movements and pressure are carried out and the session ends with pats. The duration of the massage is 15 minutes. Courses are recommended for 14 days with a 1 - 2-week break. After completing the massage session, you should make 10 light jumps on your toes or stretch 15 times on your toes.

Therapeutic gymnastics (LFK) is carried out twice a day, for 5-10 minutes and includes the following exercises (on a hard surface):

in a horizontal position, perform a “bike” with both a sick and a healthy leg;
raise the sore leg up (without bending) and perform circular movements with it;
in a sitting position, bend and unbend your toes;
rotate the legs with the knee and then the ankle joints;
in a sitting position, draw the “eight” with your feet and rotate alternately with one and the other foot.

Exercise therapy is carried out necessarily in stockings or elastic bandages.
In addition, with lymphostasis, swimming and "Scandinavian" walking (with ski poles) are shown.

Drug therapy

Drug treatment of lymphostasis of the lower extremities includes a wide range of drugs that normalize blood and lymph flow, reduce the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and increase their elasticity:

phlebotropic agents (, troxevasin and troxerutin gel) - improve tissue microcirculation, increase vein tone, restore lymph flow;
enzyme preparations (wobenzym, phlogenzym) - stimulate the immune system, fight edema, have anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic effects;
benzopyrones (coumarin) - reduce high-protein edema, thin the blood, activate proteolysis due to the activation of macrophages; calcium dobesilate is also prescribed, which is similar in action to benzopyrones;
homeopathic remedy - lymphomiazot, which stimulates metabolism, improves lymph flow and enhances the elimination of toxins from the body;
angioprotectors (drugs from horse chestnut extract) - normalize the tone of the lymphatic vessels and veins, reduce the permeability of the vascular wall, which reduces the intensity of edema (escusan, venitan, aescin);
diuretics - are prescribed with caution under the supervision of a physician;
antiplatelet agents (thinning the blood) - trental, chimes;
antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs for trophic skin disorders (ulcers, eczema, erysipelas);
antihistamines - recommended for relapses of erysipelas and suppress the inhibitory effect of histamine on the contractile activity of lymphatic vessels (see);
solcoseryl - reduces swelling of tissues, has a regenerative effect, increases the tone of the vascular wall (stimulates the formation of collagen in the walls of blood vessels);
immunomodulators (succinic acid, tincture of eleutherococcus, licopid) - stimulate the immune system, strengthen the vascular wall;
vitamins (ascorbic acid, vitamin E, PP, P) - strengthen the vascular wall, reduce vascular permeability, have an antioxidant effect.

Physiotherapy procedures

From physiotherapy for this disease is used:

electrical stimulation of contractility of lymphatic vessels;
amplipulse therapy;
UVI autoblood - reinfusion of one's own blood after its irradiation with ultraviolet light.

Folk methods of treatment

Treatment with folk remedies is used as an additional to the main therapy for lymphostasis and is carried out after consultation with a doctor:

compresses from birch tar and baked onions on a sore leg;
compresses with cabbage juice or applying cabbage leaves to the affected limb;
infusion of plantain leaves;
infusion of garlic and honey - 250 gr. chopped garlic, 350 gr. honey, infused for 1 week, taking 1 tbsp. spoon 3 r / day for 3 months an hour before meals;
the use of beet juice;
intake of dandelion and plantain juice;
a decoction (2 parts), plantain and dandelion leaves (1 part each) is poured with half a liter of boiling water, allowed to brew for 6 hours, taken for a month 4 r / day, 100 ml before meals.

But it should be borne in mind that alternative therapy is effective only in the initial stage of the disease.

If for one reason or another there was a malfunction in the lymphatic system, it forms a stagnation of lymph in the tissues and interstitial space. Stagnation in the lymph causes not only cosmetic defects, but also a serious threat to human health. That is why it is important to consult a specialist even with a slightly pronounced edema.

The physiology of the lymph outflow is determined by its anatomical location in the human body, the features of the functioning of organs and systems, as well as the structure. Bacteria, other pathogenic microorganisms, toxins, tumor cells, decay products spread through the lymph and blood.

Lymphatic drainage in the human body is presented in the form of a complex plexus:

lymphoid outflow from the tongue is directed to the submental, submandibular, deep cervical lymph nodes;
lymphatic drainage from the lung(s) extends further into the paraesophageal and tracheobronchial lymph nodes, into the anterior and posterior mediastinum;
lymphatic drainage from the mammary glands is directed to the peristernal, axillary, subclavian, cervical lymph nodes.
lymphatic drainage from the stomach is directed to the cardiac nodes, spleen, intestines, liver;
lymph outflow from the liver extends to the area of the hepatic, pyloric, right gastric, diaphragmatic lymph nodes;
lymph outflow from the rectum is directed to the colon, mesenteric, lumbar lymph nodes.

The role of lymph drainage in the body is as follows:

Through the lymph outflow pathway, protein resorption (absorption) occurs and the return of protein to the circulatory system occurs.
The lymphatic drainage is the transport system through which “processed connections” pass.
In the lymph nodes, specific immune cells are produced that are involved in the fight against infections, bacteria, and viruses.
The spleen, thymus, red bone marrow provide hematopoiesis in the body, and the tonsils, adenoids, appendix provide a rapid immunological response.
The small intestine is the area in which nutrients are absorbed into the blood, fats into the lymph.

Lymph drainage begins from the lower part of the body, heading to the upper. If the circulatory system has its own “nanos” (heart), then the lymphatic system does not. This role in the lymphatic system is performed by muscle contraction. If there is a violation of lymph circulation, lymphostasis develops .

Symptoms of lymphostasis

Pathology can develop in various areas of the body, from where the characteristic symptoms come from. The initial symptom of impaired blood circulation and lymph flow is swelling, which manifests itself in the evening and disappears on its own by morning. The intensity of the symptom increases after physical exertion and when the area with impaired lymphatic drainage is immobile for a long time.

At the initial stage of the development of the disease, the connective tissue does not yet grow. Due to this, with a timely visit to the doctor and the start of specific therapy, it is possible to achieve a stable remission of the disease.

At the 2nd stage of the development of disorders in the lymphatic outflow, the stagnation of the lymph becomes permanent. The skin is stretched, thickened, connective tissue begins to grow. Pain may occur, especially on palpation of the affected area.

If a violation of the lymph outflow develops in the limb, it acquires an "elephant" appearance. With stagnation of lymph in the chest, the gland increases in size, which creates difficulties in wearing underwear. If a woman has cellulite, this is also a consequence of a stagnant process in the lymphatic drainage of this area.

Persistent lymph edema can cause increased fatigue of the affected area (for example, legs), convulsive syndrome. If severe lymphedema develops, fibrotic changes, cysts, and elephantiasis are formed. Due to the strong severity of edema, the affected area loses its contour and loses the ability to function normally.

At a later stage, contractures are formed, osteoarthritis of a deforming nature, trophic ulcers, eczema, and erysipelas may occur. In addition, the risk of developing a malignant tumor in the lymph node increases.

Causes of lymph stasis

A disturbed lymphatic outflow path is a consequence of the development of such pathologies as heart failure, kidney failure, and hypoproteinemia. The development of chronic venous insufficiency is the second most common cause of disorders in blood circulation and lymph circulation.

Stagnation in the lymph develops after damage to the vessels, their compression through an inflammatory infiltrate or a neoplasm like a tumor. An increased risk of impaired lymphatic drainage occurs after radiation therapy, removal of the inguinal or femoral lymph node.

Mastectomy (removal of the mammary glands), which was performed for cancer therapy, can cause congestion in the lymph cells. In this case, a violation of the lymphatic outflow in the upper limb from the side of the operated gland often develops.

Violation of the lymphatic drainage that occurs after birth in newborns may have a hereditary etiology or signal a kidney, heart, hematopoietic disease. In adults, lymph stagnation often occurs in the lower limb, namely, in the foot, if you have to tighten your foot with shoes, sit still for a long time. In the hands, lymph stagnation is formed if a person often has to lift heavy bags.

Complications

In case of violation of lymphatic drainage, complications can develop, the severity of which depends on the stage of the underlying disease:

If the violation of lymphatic drainage develops at the initial stage. Due to the beginning of the proliferation of connective tissue (by the end of stage 1), mild reversible puffiness turns into intractable dense.
If a violation of lymphatic drainage develops at stage 2. The density of puffiness increases, elephantiasis and an increase in the area with stagnation of lymph (for example, in violation of the outflow of lymph from the mammary gland) occur. Pain syndrome begins to appear in the affected area, its rapid fatigue.
If the violation of lymphatic drainage develops at 3 stages. Due to circulatory disorders, trophic ulcers develop, secondary infections join, and a malignant tumor may begin to form.

To avoid the development of complications, it is important to start treatment of lymph stagnation at the first symptoms of the disease.

Treatment

It is necessary to treat lymph nodes and congestion in the lymph outflow by a complex method, using medications, exercise therapy and other therapeutic measures. This is the only way to stop the progression of the disease.

Medical therapy

Immediately after the diagnosis is made, phlebotonics are prescribed that have a lymphotropic effect. Such drugs increase the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, preventively affect plasma sweating. These include Detralex, Ginkor, Phlebodia, etc.

From local preparations, angioprotectors and anticoagulants are prescribed. Means from the first group help to disperse the lymph, improve lymph flow and blood circulation, eliminate spasms, and reduce the severity of swelling. It can be Venoruton, Troxevasin, etc.

Anticoagulants help prevent thrombus formation processes, have a depressing effect on increasing the activity of blood coagulation activity. These drugs include Heparin ointment, Lioton gel, etc.

It is possible to treat lymph nodes, namely, puffiness in this area, with the help of drugs from the group of diuretics, which quickly eliminate lymph stagnation. Only the attending physician prescribes such funds. For example, you can remove edema by taking Promeran, Mannitol, Torasemide, or others.

Hardware methods

Disturbed blood circulation and lymph circulation are normalized with the help of hardware therapy. Despite the rapid improvement in the general condition, such treatment gives short-term results. Although excess fluid disappears from the affected area (where lymph outflow is impaired), the altered subcutaneous tissues remain.

If the lymph is clogged, hardware massage will come to the rescue. The technique helps to activate the outflow of lymph, stimulate dilated vessels, improve venous circulation. At the same time, swelling gradually disappears and fatigue disappears.

After the procedure, the affected area is wrapped with an elastic bandage (as well as overnight) or compression garments are put on. The latter is used for 3-4 weeks.

Lymphatic drainage

If the outflow of lymph is disturbed, you can take a course of manual lymphatic drainage massage. The technique of carrying out differs depending on the area of the lesion:

violation of lymphatic drainage, which develops below the diaphragm: the beginning of manual massage - from the inguinal region, heading down;
violation of lymphatic drainage, developing above the diaphragm: massage movements begin from the head and neck.

The duration of one session in case of violation of the outflow of lymph is 40-45 minutes.

Physiotherapy

Performing physical exercises will help regulate the mechanisms of lymph formation and lymph outflow in the body, get rid of lymph stagnation in the legs or another part of the body. In addition, due to physical activity that promotes a good metabolism, you can improve your general condition and mood. Exercises are carried out daily, preferably in the morning. The diseased leg is recommended not to be heavily loaded, placing the maximum load on a healthy limb.

Due attention to physical activity should be given to those people who have a hereditary predisposition to impaired lymph flow. An approximate list of exercises for lymphostasis of the legs:

in the supine position, raise the limbs up, resting your legs against the wall, make movements like push-ups;
in the prone position, rotate the feet, squeeze and unclench with the fingers;
exercise "bike": starting position - the same, bring the leg forward, the second - bent at the knee joint, make movements like cycling;
in the prone position, bend the legs at the knee joints and pull them to the chest, slowly straighten the legs one by one, then returning to the starting position.

The most effective set of exercises for impaired lymph flow, the number of repetitions, the duration of the exercise will be selected by the attending physician.

Folk remedies

In combination with the main treatment of lymph stagnation at home, you can use folk remedies that help get rid of impaired blood and lymph circulation.

Traditional methods of treating the lymphatic system with folk remedies are as follows:

How to cure lymphostasis and normalize the outflow of lymph, only a doctor can determine. If folk remedies help one, then other patients cannot do without complex therapy for impaired lymphatic drainage.

Diet

Nutrition is the key to a speedy recovery. Even if the patient follows all the prescriptions and recommendations of the doctor, but does not adhere to the diet, this slows down the recovery time, and sometimes leads to additional health problems.

The diet must be replenished with all useful vitamins and minerals. When cooking food, reduce the amount of salt consumed, or better, remove it completely. Such a seasoning contributes to the retention of fluid in organs and systems, and this is unacceptable if the outflow of lymph is disturbed.

Smoked, fatty, fried, coffee, alcoholic beverages - completely eliminated from the diet.

Prevention

Prevention of lymphostasis is to prevent stagnation of lymph in the limbs and other areas. The main preventive measure is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, maintaining proper nutrition.

Avoid injury to the skin. If this could not be avoided, it is timely to start treating the wound with the help of medicines. It is recommended to follow the rules of personal hygiene and care of the dermis, to identify and treat heart, kidney, venous diseases that can contribute to impaired lymph flow.

Lymphostasis is a dangerous pathology, which in some cases causes blood poisoning (sepsis) and early death. To avoid such dangerous consequences of a violation of the outflow of lymph, it is worth visiting a doctor at the first alarming symptoms.

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 strongly.

Lymphedema is also called lymphedema. Based on statistics, this disease is observed in ten percent of the world's population. With improper or untimely treatment, the disease can progress, leading to elephantiasis, which, in turn, causes not only psychological and physical suffering, but is often the cause of disability.

The development of lymphostasis of the lower extremities is influenced by many factors. The outflow of lymph can be disturbed due to problems with the heart, kidneys, or as a result of hypoproteinemia. These diseases lead to narrowing of the lymphatic vessels, as a result of which they do not pass lymph well and it lingers in the tissues, causing swelling.

Lymph can linger in the legs due to venous insufficiency in the chronic stage, which appears with decompression varicose veins, arteriovenous fistulas and post-thrombophlebic syndrome. When a large amount of the liquid component is removed, the vascular lymphatic network expands, as a result of which the tone decreases, and the valves responsible for the distribution of 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 operation of the valves of other vessels is disturbed. As a result, lymph stagnation occurs and severe swelling appears.

In breast cancer, mastectomy is often performed, which, in turn, is complicated by lymphedema, upper and lower extremities. Mastectomy is often performed in the armpit. Surgeons remove the 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, then the lymph nodes will be removed there, resulting in lymphedema of the lower extremities.

Lymph stagnation can also be caused by prostate cancer, in which the inguinal nodes are removed and radiation therapy is performed, leading to problems in the lymphatic system.

In tropical countries, problems with the lymphatic system can be caused by mosquitoes, which are carriers of lymphatic filariasis, which affects and leads to swollen lymph nodes, fever, severe algia and extensive swelling.

Classification

Depending on the reasons for the development of lymphedema, it can be primary and secondary.

In the primary type, the disease can be either congenital or acquired. In the case of a congenital anomaly, the disease can manifest itself in infancy or adolescence.

In the secondary type, the following factors can affect the development of the disease:

Tumor processes in the lymphatic system.
Injuries leading to increased pressure in the vessels.
Chronic venous diseases of the lower extremities.
Infectious diseases that lead to disturbances in the main body systems.
Obesity.
Operational intervention.

Symptoms

Lymphostasis has three stages of development:

Stage I is characterized by the presence of puffiness, which appear from time to time and disappear on their own. The legs swell in the late afternoon, during the night's rest the lymph flow normalizes and they disappear. Swelling of tissues occurs with strong physical exertion or with a long stay in one position. Loads on the lower extremities also provoke a violation of the outflow of lymphatic fluid. At the initial stage, changes and proliferation of connective tissues are diagnosed. In this case, the doctor may prescribe a conservative technique, which often allows you to stop the disease and prevent it from developing.

When diagnosing the II degree of the disease, puffiness no longer disappears and persists even after sleep. Connective tissues grow, the skin is stretched, compacted, and when you press them, a person experiences pain. With a palpated area of edema, traces remain at the site of pressing, which do not disappear for a long time. The stagnant lymph provokes the appearance of convulsions and leads to rapid fatigue.

If the disease has developed to stage III, then the doctor diagnoses irreversible disorders in the lymphatic system. The tissues of the lower extremities are subjected to severe deformation, as a result of which the legs cease to function fully, losing proportions and contours. At this stage, the disease can be diagnosed with problems with the joints, and the skin is often covered with wounds and ulcers, which ultimately leads to sepsis and death. Also, this stage often leads to lymphosarcoma.

Common symptoms of lymphedema include:

Weakness and increased fatigue.
Constant headache.
Tongue coated with white.
Lack of concentration.
Obesity.

Diagnostics

Ultrasound examination of veins

If the patient has symptoms characteristic of the disease, then in order to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes ultrasound of the venous network of the lower extremities. In addition, ultrasound of the peritoneum and pelvic floor can be prescribed in order to identify changes in organs and diseases that can cause lymphedema.

Also, the patient needs to undergo x-ray lymphography and lymphoscintigraphy and pass general blood and urine tests. The first two studies allow you to see how well the vessels have good patency, and where the lymph block is located. In addition, they allow you to determine if there are any vascular changes, examine their tortuosity zone and view them for valvular insufficiency and lymphangiectasia.

The surgeon can conduct differential studies to determine if there is deep vein thrombosis and postphlebic syndrome, as they give unilateral lymphedema, with mild swelling, pigmentation, eczema and varicose veins in the legs. To exclude venous pathology, ultrasound of the venous mesh of the extremities is prescribed.

If necessary, the surgeon may prescribe an examination of other organs in order to reduce the recurrence of the disease after it has been eliminated.

Treatment

The treatment of edema is aimed at the gradual restoration of the outflow of lymph from diseased limbs. Often such treatment is presented:

Constant wearing of compression stockings or pants.
Water and manual lymphatic drainage massage.

In addition, with edema, patients should:

Follow a special diet and completely eliminate salt from the diet.
Go to the pool twice a week.
Practice Nordic walking.
Every day you need to apply antifungal ointments and gels, it is also possible to use tablets.
If conservative methods have not yielded favorable results and the disease continues to progress, there are extensive ulcers and deforming lymphatic sacs, an urgent surgical operation is necessary. It is aimed at microsurgical expansion of vascular lumens and liposuction.

With primary lymphedema, the patient is prescribed a transplant of lymphoid tissues. If the patient has obvious elephantiasis, then radical surgical interventions are not performed. He is shown the tunneling of affected tissues in order to divert lymph to healthy tissue areas. Resection may also be used.

In order not to start the disease at its first signs, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to prevent complications and quickly get rid of the disease.