Lymphedema is a buildup of fluid that may occur in various parts of the body due to either the lymphatic system being overwhelmed by excess fluid or a problem with the mechanics of the lymphatic system itself (or both!). It is often a chronic condition.
Some examples of conditions that may overwhelm the lymphatic system with fluid include venous insufficiency, heart failure, immobility, and kidney failure.
Examples of conditions that may result in a mechanical problem within the lymphatic system include genetic disorders of the lymphatic system (which you are born with), trauma, radiation, surgery, inflammation, and infection.
As lymphedema progresses the swelling can restrict mobility and become painful. The soft tissues can become hard and fibrotic, skin can become discolored/dark, dry and flaky, and inflamed; risk of infection will increase; ulcerations can develop (especially in the legs), and the swelling can become disfiguring. As it advances, lymphedema can also result in folds in the skin, wart-like growths on the skin, and fluid leaking through the skin.
In all cases, the root cause of the edema should be addressed. However, regardless of the cause, it is important to treat the lymphedema quickly before it progresses in severity. There is often no cure for lymphedema, however, it can be managed well with the support of a medical professional or team.
Treatment is aimed at reducing the extra fluid and may include a combination of lymphatic massage, education on performing lymphatic massage for yourself, compression garments or bandaging, use of compression devices (ie. Lymphatic pump), skin care, and simple exercises. Successful treatment should result in less fluid in the extremity, wound healing, increased range of motion and activity, reduction in pain/heaviness/weakness and size of the extremity.
Lyndsay Silver is truly a blessing. She is very considerate and understanding. When I talk to her she truly cares about what I have to say. I am grateful to have met her. It helps that she is pretty funny as well. I recommend anyone that is needing care to go see her!
Lindsey Silver is the most conscientious and knowledgeable practitioner that I have met in a long, long time. She is takes the time to listen to my concerns that thinks through what I need. I highly recommend her.
Lyndsay Silver - NP has been a fantastic add on to the Northern Spokane area. Her office is clean, well kept and her customer service goes above and beyond.
Crosswalk Clinic and Lyndsay Silver have transformed my life! I was referred to them by Providence interventional radiology for bilateral edema and am absolutely thrilled with my results. I am extremely impressed by their expertise, compassion and understanding of my condition. I now have all the tools and knowledge that I need to manage my condition. I also know that if I ever have a question or need additional help, they will be there for me. I highly recommend Crosswalk Clinic to anyone who suffers from lymphadema, lipedema or lower leg wounds. Thank you to Lyndsay and Crosswalk Clinic for my excellent care!!!
I found Crosswalk Clinic earlier this summer when I was searching the Spokane area for MLD providers, and I'm so thankful I did. I was diagnosed with lipedema a few years ago, but Lyndsay is the first provider that's actually had knowledge about treating lipedema (besides surgery). I've learned so much in just a couple months and have made a lot of progress on implementing conservative treatments to help with pain reduction and swelling. Not only is Lyndsay great at what she does, she's also very friendly and immediately puts you at ease. I am extremely thankful to have such an amazing (and rare) resource in our area.
Along with the excellent care received, there was so much to learn. Lyndsay was so good at sensing that and giving me time to learn why I needed treatment. I have been amazed at the results. Lyndsay has also spent the time necessary to train me in all the compression tools and treatments I can wear/perform myself and what symptoms I can watch for to know when I may need to seek additional treatment. I’m so glad my pcp referred me to the Crosswalk Clinic. I highly recommend Lyndsay Silver, APRN.
Lindsay is such an amazing person. She helped me so much with my legs. I'm so happy to have her on my team.
Lyndsay is the best of the best. She cares deeply about her patients and how we are doing. She is more than patient and kind. I love working with her.
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