Challenges of lymphoedema management in an ageing population.

The risk of developing chronic oedema increases with age. Many factors affect the successful management of this condition, which a robust holistic assessment will identify. This article discusses some of the challenges and complications associated with managing this long-term condition, alongside comorbidities and the effects of ageing. It will consider the implications of wider issues such as social care and the current healthcare economy. The challenges of lymphoedema management can be overcome by offering a collaborative approach to care. This can be achieved by specialist practitioners offering support, advice and guidance on how to ensure satisfactory outcomes for patients in a timely manner.

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

Lymphoedema can result in debilitating physical and psychosocial morbidity and when combined with other chronic comorbidity, often requires holistic, specialist management that encompasses all the complex and compounding problems. Self-care is an integral component of any treatment strategy, however, the patient must be fully prepared and ongoing support should be provided. Self-care consists of managing the symptoms of lymphoedema but should include other fundamental aspects of healthy living, for example, maintaining a healthy weight and activity levels. To improve self-care, compression manufacturers have been instrumental in designing new ways of applying compression. Mobiderm Autofit armsleeves have been designed to improve the donning and wearing of compression sleeves in all patients. This product is especially useful for night-time wear and in the presence of fragile skin, or for those who only require reduced compression. The benefits of this garment are demonstrated in three case studies.

Haddenham easywrap as part of self-management in lymphoedema and lipoedema: The patient perspective.

Self-management and the use of adjustable velcro compression wraps are not new concepts and quite often both can form part of the maintenance phase of treatment in those with lymphoedema or lipoedema, as well as those diseases in which compression therapy is advised as long-term management. The aim of this article is to identify some aspects that contribute to effective self-management and how the use of easywrap adjustable velcro compression wraps have improved quality of life for those with lymphoedema, chronic oedema and lipoedema. Case studies are given from patients to demonstrate the individual experience of living with lymphoedema or lipoedema, how this has impacted on daily life, and how using easywrap has helped as part of self-management.

Managing upper limb lymphoedema with use of a combined armsleeve compression garment.

This article will detail the findings of 4 case studies following a product evaluation of a JOBST Bella Lite combined armsleeve for mild to moderate lymphoedema, while discussing the assessment and management of upper limb lymphoedema. Holistic assessment and consideration of psychosocial impact on the patient will be discussed briefly along with guidance on how to determine those 'at risk' of developing the condition.

Lymphoedema management with the LymphFlow Advance pneumatic compression pump.

There are many intermittent pneumatic compression devices available for use in the management and adjunct treatment of lymphatic, venous and arterial disease. This article discusses the development of a new advanced pneumatic compression device, the LymphFlow Advance, which can perform focussed treatment on the lymphoedematous area using a variety of different cycles. Case studies with therapist and patient feedback are used to demonstrate the use of the LymphFlow Advance in the lymphoedema clinic, with a discussion of the evidence to underpin recommended treatment regimes.