Compression boots

[LYLY]

What do you think of this type of items ?
http://www.feelgoodstore.com/cgi-bin/fe ... gin=upsell

I had a few sessions with this type of boots in a chiropractor office and it did get the swelling
down and my legs felt so light . It was very nice but it did not cure the source of the problem .

[patoco]

Hey again Lyly

Oh.....avoid those type of devices . In the long term, they can cause some serious problems.

See:

Why Compression Pumps Cause Damage

viewtopic.php?t=58

The problem is that these devices do relieve swelling in that they push the fluid from the legs into the abdomen. Problem is that the lymphatics in the ab become overloaded. In the studies discussed on the above page, it has been shown that 35 - 40% of all people who use these leg pumps develop genital lymphedema.

Before fluid is pushed into the ab, the abdominal lymphatic need to be "prepare" or emptied. That way they are more prepared for the fluid that is going to be pushed into them.

Also, the compression pressure, if it is to great can actually crush or damage the lymphatics - which again in the long run adds to the lymphedema.

You may also want to take a look at this page:

Compression Pumps for Lymphedema Treatment

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/do ... _treatment

There are a couple exceptions to this.

First, the fairly new Flexitouch device does have an abdominal preparation stage. Part of the device fits around the ab and does a gentle preparation stage.

Second is there is the Reid Sleeve Optiflow insert which has clinically been shown not to damage the lymphatics. This is used in conjunction with a pneumatic pump by BioCompression. Both of these are discussed on the page.

Have you been evaluated by a ceritifed lymphedema therapist yet? Had any "MLD" or "CDT"?

Pat