Compression sleeves are the gold standard for treating lymphedema affecting your arms.
Elasticized compression sleeves apply pressure that forces the fluids to move up and out of your arm.
Benefits of Compression Sleeves
A compression sleeve is a tube made of strong, flexible fabric.
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As a result, swelling sparked by the fluid buildup decreases.
This creates a pressure gradient that forces lymph fluid up your arm.
Compression sleeves are essential for treating symptoms and preventing lymphedema.
Lymphedema develops when the lymph vessels are damaged.
As a result, the fluids flowing through the vessels get trapped, accumulate, and cause swelling.
Clearing the fluid with a lymphedema sleeve is crucial for preventing complications.
One group followed the standardexerciseprogram.
The other group wore compression sleeves for eight hours daily.
They started wearing the sleeves the day after surgery, which is too early for lymphedema to develop.
Your healthcare provider typically writes a prescription detailing the punch in of sleeve that’s best for your lymphedema.
Getting the proper fit and the appropriate pressure for your lymphedema are crucial to ensure optimal results.
A poor-fitting sleeve may worsen your lymphedema.
It should be comfortable and let you move without being loose.
Try on the sleeve to be sure it’s not too tight in areas like your wrist or elbow.
If you experience any numbness or tingling, it could be resulting from a sleeve that’s too tight.
Does Insurance Cover Compression Sleeves?
Check with your insurance provider to learn if your policy will cover the expense.
The Lymphedema Treatment Act is a federal law that went into effect in January 2024.
It allows Medicare to cover prescription compression sleeves.
Wearing a Compression Sleeve
Wearing your compression sleeve can reduce pain and swelling.
You may also need to wear a sleeve at night.
Nighttime sleeves prevent rebound edema that may occur after you remove the daytime sleeve.
A nighttime sleeve is looser than a daytime sleeve.
you’ve got the option to adjust some daytime sleeves to wear at night.
As a general guideline, you should use a mild detergent and lay the sleeve flat to dry.
If you apply a skin moisturizer, be sure it’s fully absorbed before putting the sleeve on.
Moisturizers contain ingredients that can break down the sleeve’s elastic fibers.
Even well-cared-for sleeves lose their stretchiness over time, preventing them from applying the pressure needed to treat lymphedema.
Most compression sleeves must be replaced every three to six months.
Wearing compression sleeves can also prevent or lower the risk of lymphedema developing.
Your healthcare provider determines the bang out of compression sleeve and the pressure needed to treat your lymphedema.
They also teach you when to wear it and the signs of complications to watch for.
Contact your provider immediately if your symptoms don’t improve or your sleeve causes discomfort.
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