Causes of Phlebolymphedema

Phlebolymphedema is a disorder of the venous blood vessels in the lower legs. The veins aren’t strong enough to push blood against the pull of gravity. This results in pools of blood and fluid around the lower extremities of our body (legs, ankles and feet).

Some leading factors that lead to a Phlebedema include:

• Hereditary/genetic predispositions

  Scientists believe that certain hereditary conditions result in an inherent difference in the strength of connective tissue around the veins in the legs and the valves in the heart. Thus, in some patients, excess stress makes the veins susceptible to long term wear and tear. Eventually, the difference in pressure leads to the development of Phlebedema.

• Lack of exercise

  Restricted movement in daily life like long work hours sitting at a desk or standing for extended periods of time in one spot has been shown to put additional strain on the veins in the legs.

• Obesity

  People who are overweight/obese are at higher risk of Phlebedema, as the pressure on their lower limbs and the veins in their legs are under a much higher strain to pump blood black up to the heart sufficiently.

Diagnosis of Phlebolymphedema

A medical professional, in this case, a Phlebologist, begins with a complete physical examination to determine the progression of Phlebolymphedema.

Complete patient history is done to understand hereditary risks to the development of the venous drainage disorder.

Sophisticated imaging technology like the Doppler ultrasound scan can be used to detect the formation and location of blood pools in the lower half of the body. Early diagnosis results in the best prognosis and is highly recommended.

Phlebolymphedema Treatment

Treatment for Phlebedema is mostly conservative. The condition is a direct result of a venous drainage disorder and results in pooled blood in our extremities.

Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and managing the long term complications of the disease. A few proven measures include:

• Changes in Lifestyle

  Simple changes in day to day lifestyle can have significant benefits in treating Lymphoedema. Regular exercise to lose weight and stay healthy reduces the stress on the arms and hands with swelling. Weight loss and reducing obesity often helps relieve pain and discomfort in most patients.

• Rehabilitation Exercise and Lymphatic Drainage Massage

  Targeted exercise can help manage weight as well as increase blood circulation through the affected arms and hands. Boosting blood circulation can help strengthen the muscles and facilitate healing.

  Lymphatic drainage massage can also be used to stimulate the surrounding area and naturally encourage drainage of lymph fluid to alleviate symptoms.

  

• Compression Therapy

  Compression therapy is the targeted application of pressure on the affected area using a medical compression garment. Compression garments like the VenoTrain Impuls can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.

  Regular use of a compression garment is instrumental in preventing the progression of Phlebedema, as the compression helps encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of the affected arm and can greatly reduce swelling and pain.

• Prescribed Drug Therapy

  Anti-Inflammatory drugs can be used as prescribed by a medical practitioner. These can help in alleviating the accompanying symptoms and support the effects of compression therapy.

  Everyday routine with a combination of the above helps slow and stop the progression of the disease and have immense long term benefits.