How Does Leg Elevation Reduce Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling that can occur in the legs (or other limbs) if lymph nodes located throughout the body are injured or damaged. So how does leg elevation reduce lymphedema?This often occurs after invasive surgery and/or cancer treatment or as a result of an inherited or congenital condition. Oftentimes, a simple remedy is to elevate your legs in order to reduce the swelling.
Why or How This Works?
First, let’s explain what the lymph nodes are. Lymph nodes are tiny, bean-shaped structures interconnected by lymph vessels throughout the entire body making up the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, which filters substances and provide white blood cells to fight infection. Although lymph nodes are spread out across your entire body, some are grouped together in areas such as the groin, the armpits, the neck (you know that swelling that happens when you get a cold?), the chest, and the abdomen.
A healthy lymphatic system distributes lymph fluid evenly throughout the body. Injured or damaged lymph nodes can lymph fluid to pool, commonly in the legs given the rules of gravity. Even in healthy individuals, swelling can occur in the feet or legs with prolonged standing or lengthy travel. That’s where leg elevation practices come in.
What is the body doing when your legs are elevated above your hips?
The lymphatic system is not a one-man team. It works in conjunction with the cardiovascular system to move fluid throughout the body. So oxygenated and protein-enriched blood is pumped through the heart and into the arteries to feed into tissue and organs. Unused proteins, waste, and carbon dioxide travels back to the heart through the veins. About 10% of the blood filters through lymph capillaries, which sends foreign substances and waste to the lymph nodes for destruction to protect the body from illness. While the cardiovascular system relies on the heart to pump blood through the body, the lymphatic system relies on breathing and movement.
How Does Leg Elevation Reduce Lymphedema?
Leg elevation counteracts the pooling of blood and lymph fluid that can build up in the feet due to gravity.
As long as the legs are positioned correctly and fully supported, then blood and lymphatic fluid should flow away from the feet and legs to reduce the swelling. An Ambassador Lift chair can provide just that with ease. The user has the freedom to position and elevate their legs to their specific size and liking in order to reduce lymphatic fluid build-up. Consult with your doctor about appropriate leg elevation heights according to your body type and your medical history.
If leg elevation is a crucial element to your health care management then it’s important to research the best Australian lift chair for your needs. Ambassador recliners provide a range of leg elevation options up to heights well above your hips. Read a full article with more details here. Hopefully this explains how leg elevation reduces lymphedema?
References
Lymphatic System (2012). Breast Cancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/lymphedema/how/lymph_system. Viewed on Mar. 26, 2020
How Proper Leg Elevation Works to Improve Edema. (2020). Lounge Doctor. https://www.loungedoctor.com/blogs/news/how-proper-leg-elevation-works-to-improve-edema. Viewed on Mar. 26, 2020.
Reducing You Risk of Lymphedema of the Legs (2020). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/reducing-risk-lymphedema. Viewed on Mar. 26, 2020.
