Let’s face it: lipedema is not inevitable! There are several treatments available today. They can greatly relieve symptoms, have the advantage of being complementary, and slow the progression of lipedema.
We’re going to discuss one of them here, which is particularly effective and non-invasive: compression bands.
Compression bands: definition
Compression bands (also known as contention) are garments which, as their name suggests, compress the limbs affected by lipedema. These may be legs and/or arms. This compression encourages blood flow and lymph circulation within the lymphatic system. It will therefore prevent fluid retention and the creation of edema.
Compression has another beneficial effect: it allows the fluids naturally present in your tissues to rise to the top of the limb. This makes drainage much easier. So, by wearing compression bands regularly, you can slow down the development of lipedema day by day!
These compression bands don’t just slow down the development of the disease. They also have an impact on your daily quality of life. Other benefits include
- The chronic pain relief is accompanied by a feeling of weightlessness in the limbs, which are relieved of congestion.
- Your mobility can be improved: when you walk, for example, the movement of fatty tissue will be prevented by the bands, which will hold it tightly in place.
The aesthetic appearance of limbs affected by lipedema can also be a source of psychological distress for patients. Here, too, compression bands can have a beneficial effect, smoothing the skin and making the limbs more “defined”.
Precautions to take
However, there are certain precautions to be taken: compression bands must be prescribed by a specialist. He or she is in the best position to assess the level of compression your limbs need. Bear in mind that the skin affected by lipedema can be particularly sensitive: compression bands must therefore be perfectly adapted to your specific needs. They can be made-to-measure: this is often the best option. They should not create tourniquets or cut off circulation.
Other compression garments are available in standard sizes, generally from 1 to 4 (from lightest to strongest compression).
As we have seen, it is essential that compression garments are worn regularly, ideally on a daily basis. The effectiveness of compression depends on its regularity: however, it’s not necessary to wear them at night. You can put them on in the morning and take them off in the evening. Here again, we strongly advise you to consult a specialist, who will be in the best position to determine the rate and level of compression you need!
0 Comments