Lymphedema
Lymphedma is diagnosis of a specific type of swelling. The swelling is usually in one extremity, such as one arm or one leg and sometimes the stomach region. Fluid builds up in the soft tissue causing vulnerability to the skin (integumentary system), which can lead to an infection (Scheiman, 2020). Causes of lymphedema include: trauma to the lymphatic system or surgery, cancer, lymphatic system overload from a blockage or excessive weight.
Signs of lymphedema might include: consistent swelling that does not decrease after elevation, + Stemmer’s sign, swelling in toes and foot, orange peel look to the skin, hard and thick epidermis layer, lymph drainage dripping through skin, large and small pink bump clusters, excessive chronic swelling causing elephantiasis and hemosiderin skin staining (Scheiman, 2020). Lymphedema treatment includes manual lymphatic decompression therapy, wraps, intermittent pneumatic compression and other types of compression.
References
Lymphedema. (2019, January 22). MedlinePlus – Health Information from the National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/lymphedema.html
Scheiman, N. E. (2020, June 16). Edema Bootcamp [PDF]. www.summit-education.com
Lipedema
Lipedema is chronic health issue causing the fatty tissue mainly in the arms and legs to increasein size and swell (Lipedema Foundation). However, it does occur in other parts of the body, such as lower belly also known as apron or pannus. Lidedema can be very painful due toexcessive swelling and possible bruising. Unfortunately, lipedema has minimal publicawareness and is misdiagnosed frequently.Lipedema occurs mainly in women, but can affect men as well. This condition affects bothextremities beginning at the upper hip down to ankles, never affecting the feet (Scheiman, 2020).
Treatment for lipedema consist of: resolve or improve edema, pain and disproportion, preventdisease progression. Decongestion of the fatty tissue is done with wraps, manual lymphaticdrainage and/or pneumatic compression. Liposuction can be very helpful to reduce fatty tissue,but has other health concerns. In addition, weight management that includes caloric reduction aswell as quantity of food is a lifestyle change that should begin immediately.Our clinic is trained in lipedema and can help with pain, manual decompression therapy andcompression wraps.
References
Lipedema Foundation. (n.d.). What is Lipedema. https://lipedema.org
Scheiman, N. E. (2020, June 16). Edema Bootcamp [PDF]. https://www.summit-education.com
Hiradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a long lasting and sometimes life time skin disease that causes relentless painful draining abscesses (Medlineplus, 2019). The abscesses can erupt anywhere on the body, but usually they erupt in the most sensitive areas of the body, such as armpits, breast and genitals. In most cases, the boils start out small and gradually get bigger and begin to drain foul puss drainage that take months to heal (Grant, 2019). Hiradenitis Suppurative is not contagious. However, it can be exacerbated by heat, stress, obesity, imbalance in hormones and heavy sweating, but these do not cause the initial onset of HS (Grant, 2019).
HS has been around since the 1830’s and there is very little, if any, information in medical books. Most physicians don’t know anything about HS until they get out of medical school and are practicing for years. Public awareness is inadequate because most people just do not want to talk about their HS, probably because they’re too embarrassed and / or frustrated with the health care they’ve received . In addition, there is no standardized care to treat HS either.
Sometimes antibiotics help if an infection is present and sometimes surgery is needed to. There is hope though for HS patients. New medical research is reviling that Hidradenitis Suppurativa is an autoimmune disease and can be treated successfully with a life style change in food and activity (Grant, 2019). I encourage all patients and family members who suffer with HS to read The Hidden Plague by Tara Grant. This book is great at explaining HS and how an autoimmune diet protocol can put your Hiradenitis Suppurative in remission. Our staff at Yukon Wound Care & Rehab in Oklahoma has been very successful over the years healing patients with HS. However, we can only help that particular lesion or wound, but you can put your HS into remission by taking full control of food that triggers an inflammatory response that cause that HS. Please call us with questions or to schedule appointments. 405-265-2255.
References
Grant, T. (2019, January). The Hidden Plague.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa | Acne Inversa | MedlinePlus. (n.d.). MedlinePlus – Health Information from the National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/hidradenitissuppurativa.html#
Sunburns
Sunshine is abundant in Oklahoma right now! And so are sunburns! CDC recommends, choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Wear protective clothing such as light weight long sleeves, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses and stay in the shade. It is important to re-apply as directed on bottle. Blistering can occur causing damage to underlying tissue. Yukon Wound Care & Rehab is trained to help remove dead tissue and soothe surrounding areas. Make us your first choice in care! We have immediate openings available!
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine (backbone). The curvature can either be S shaped or C shaped. Currently there is no cure or cause for scoliosis. The curvature can either be right, which is most common in the thoracic region or left most common in the lumbar region.
Scoliosis is categorized into groups known as idiopathic or unknown cause (80% of all cases). Osteopathic is a bony spinal disease or abnormality cause. Myopathic is related to a disease causing muscle weakness. Neuropathic is the result of CNS or central nervous system causing the scoliosis. Age of scoliosis diagnosis varies from infant to adulthood because the curvature can be very mild and not progress for years.
Scoliosis can be diagnosed using plain radiography and using the Cobb method to measure the degree of scoliosis (Goodman & Fuller). Also, an Adams test or forward bend test can be used with or without scoliometer (Goodman & Fuller). Having a base line degree of curvature can help monitor the progression and rate of change.
Scoliosis treatment in most cases involves strengthening, stretching and posture awareness to prevent progressive and severe spinal deformity. Further treatment might involve the Schroth method that uses exercises specific to each patient to return the curved spine to a more straight alignment. The exercise intent is to de-rotate, elongate and stabilize the spine (Gerard).
In cases that are more severe, spinal braces might be used and possibly even surgery using a rod to correct the spinal curve. Our clinic diagnosis scoliosis and provides individualized exercise programs to restore strength, improve alignment and reduce pain.
References
Gerard, A. (2020, April/May). When Life Throws You Curves. PI in Motion, 4.
Goodman, C. C., & Fuller, K. S. (2009). Pathology Implications for the Physical Therapist.
Scoliosis. (2020, April 29). MedlinePlus – Health Information from the National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/scoliosis.html#
Benign Proximal Positional Vertigo
Sporadic severe vertigo usually related to head positioning. Benign means the vertigo is not the sign of a disease process. In most cases of BPPV a person will complain of dizziness after quick or rapid head movements, such as getting into bed, rolling over, bending over, tilting head to shave and leaning backward.
BPPV occurs because otoconia (crystals) in the inner ear become displaced. BPPV will not resolve itself and this condition should not be treated by Dr. Google. In most cases home remedies cause this condition to worsen because there are 3 canals the otoconia can be displaced in. Seeking a specialist trained in BPPV is the best care to prevent long term dizziness. Medical management is usually quick and easy. However, your provider will need to determine which canal the otoconia is in and which maneuver is best for that canal.
Our clinic specializes in BPPV and other vertigo utilizing the latest research and continuing education provided by University of Pittsburgh.
References
Goodman, C. C., & Fuller, K. S. (2014). Pathology – E-book: Implications for the physical therapist. Elsevier Health Sciences.