Orthotic Solutions Catalogue 2014 (25.14 MB) - R S L Steeper

Hosiery & LymphologyCompression Garments and Their Role in Lymphoedema ManagementLymphoedema is defined as subcutaneous soft tissue swelling.Lymphoedema develops when the lymphatic system can no longertransport lymph, a tissue fluid, due to insufficiency (primary) or damagecaused by trauma (secondary). The resulting pooling of water and proteinin the tissues causes the swelling. The protein may cause chronic tissueinflammation which eventually eads to the formation of connective tissuefibres.Compression plays an important part in the treatment of lymphoedema, beit primary or secondary, in the hand, arm, leg or elsewhere.With a correctly fitting garment, the pressure within the tissues increases,encouraging lymph to redistribute and drain. It also reinforces the skinmaking a firm wall to the limb thereby increasing the efficiency of themuscle pump systems. This encourages lymph flow and drainage in thecompromised limb.Compression garments are an essential part of ongoing care and mustalways be worn to ensure reductions in limb volume are maintained.Compression hosiery reduces new lymph formation, ie capillary filtration,and enhances lymph drainage by improving muscle pumpefficiency.1234567Upper Limb Garment Measuring GuideSize charts are shown on the following pages for our armsleeves. Wewould suggest taking three circumference measurements at the wrist(C), elbow (E) and just below the axilla (G) to ascertain the correct size,however it is possible that the more effective and comfortable garmentmay be one size smaller or larger.Separate handpieces should be measured for at the wrist and at the baseof the fingers over the knuckles.mediven esprit flat knit armsleeves & gloves are available in a differentsize range to the standard and medi 95 garments. A separate measuringchart can be found on page 186.Those regularly involved with these garments rapidly become adept atsize selection.Contra-indications to compression garments:• Arterial insufficiency• Acute cardiac failure• Extreme shape distortion• Very deep skin folds• Lymphorrhoea, or other weeping condition• Extensive ulceration• Severe peripheral neuropathyCaution required: cellulitis/erysipelas(if tolerated, patients can continue garment use or switch to reducedpressure – Multi Layer Lymphoedema Bandaging), sensory deficit,paralysis, fragile or damaged skin.Ref: Lymphoedema Framework. Best Practice for the Management ofLymphoedema.International consensus. London: MEP Ltd, 2006.89101112131415Fax: 0113 2725689 | Web: www.rslsteeper.com 189