Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a problem that causes great swelling in the legs. These are big lumps of tissue that are swollen with stagnant fluid and over time may cause tissue fibrosis the leg and become very unattractive. Lymphedema is a problem with lymph flow. The body has about 10 liters of fluid in the extra cellular tissue that has to be taken out of the tissue and put back into the blood stream. This is fluid that leaks out of the veins into the tissue. About seven of that ten liters is brought back to the heart by a good vein system. About three liters are taken up by the lymph system. The lymph system is fluid that is basically a protein-rich matrix of fluid that has very tiny channels throughout and between the cells of the body that goes into various lymph nodes along the way. It’s a way of the body fighting infection through the lymph system. What happens is, if over time the lymph channels get stopped up and lymph can’t move and even though the veins are doing a lot of work to try to move the fluid, it cannot keep up. So, over time the lymphs channels get stopped up and the legs become unsightly and swollen and eventually can become a permanent problem.

What most people don’t know is, even though lymphedema secondary causes many times are cancer or other reasons that lymph nodes have been taken out, the primary cause of lymphedema is actually in the veins. What happens is, when you’ve developed chronic venous insufficiency in the veins, you’re not moving fluid out of the tissue very well. The pressure in the veins causes issues with swelling, pain, heaviness and staining of the legs. What it also does is cause blockages throughout the lymph system and ultimately causes lymphedema.

Harrison Heart Vein and Vascular can do an ultra-sound vein screening to determine if the cause of your lymphedema is really a vein issue. If you do have a vein issue, Dr. Harrison and his team can treat you with a simple in-office procedure.