Wound Series Part 4: Lymphedema: The Basics

Lymphedema is a chronic, debilitating, and distressing condition affecting an estimated 35 million individuals in the United States and over 140,200 million people worldwide (O’Donnell et al., 2020). Lymphedema is “the abnormal accumulation of interstitial fluid and fibroadipose tissues resulting from injury, infection, or congenital abnormalities of the lymphatic system” (Mahera, 2023).

In the past, Starling’s Law, introduced by Earnest Henry Starling (1866-1927), described a reabsorption process in the microcirculation where it was believed that most (90%) of the fluid leaking into the interstitial spaces of the lower extremities from venous insufficiency, would enter into the venous end of the capillaries (such as when compression was applied) and end up back in the blood circulation, while 10% of this interstitial fluid would be returned to the blood circulation via the lymphatic system. However, newer evidence suggests that 0% of interstitial fluid is reabsorbed back into the venous end of the capillaries, and 100% of the interstitial fluid load is managed by the lymphatic system (Hettrick & Ehmann, 2019). Bjork (2018) reported, “It has been established that the endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL) controls the movement of proteins and fluid across the blood capillary wall. Despite prevailing principles regarding Starling’s Law, it is now understood that there is no reabsorption of fluid back into the venous side of blood capillaries. Rather, there is only diminishing net filtration across the capillary bed, and fluid and blood proteins are removed from tissues via reabsorption through lymphatic capillaries alone. Consequently, a new paradigm emerged indicating that all edemas are on a lymphedema continuum.” The revision of Starling’s Principle with a clearer understanding of the endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL) resulted in a new model of microcirculation based on evidence reported by Levit and Michel in 2010. (Hettrick & Aviles, 2022).

The new evidence demonstrated that the lymphatics manage 100% of interstitial fluid edema and has led to the term “phlebolymphedema,” which has been defined as edema “due to insufficiency of the venous or/and lymphatic system, in combination with possible systemic contributors, leading to accumulation of interstitial protein-rich fluid in the interstitial space” (Ostler, 2018).

Regardless of where it originates, when interstitial body fluids (containing foreign debris, proteins, white blood cells, and microorganisms) leave the interstitial spaces and enter the lymphatic system, it is called lymphatic (or lymph) fluid. This course will focus on the management of lymphedema in general. Still, it is important to recognize that managing all edema (such as what is classified as venous insufficiency) will benefit from considering evidence-based treatment methodologies aimed at improving lymphatic drainage since “all edema is on a lymphedema continuum” (Hettrick & Aviles, 2022).

It is also important to note that this course is not meant to be a “how to” course on performing lymphedema therapy. Nor is the goal of this educational program to make the reader a lymphedema specialist or therapist, but rather to provide the reader with an overview of the problem of lymphedema and become familiar with diagnostic, differential, and treatment options.

The lymphatic circulatory system has been thought to be similar to the cardiovascular circulatory system, with lymph vessels and channels and two types of capillaries. However, it does not have the benefit of cardiac muscle contractions to pump lymph fluid along, and there is not a continuous string of vessels that connect directly. Therefore, it is described as a relatively passive system of fluid movement. In general, contracting and relaxing muscles in the area of the lymphatic vessel help move the fluid through the system. In cases where the lymphatic system is overloaded, the lymphatic system is damaged, or both, it needs the assistance of manual massage, mechanical pumps, compression sleeves, stiff compression wraps, and bandaging systems to assist with lymphatic absorption, capillary filtration, shifting fluid into non-compressed regions and to improve lymph management. In addition, it is now known that “the integumentary and lymphatic systems are interdependent.” Hettrick & Aviles (2022) report, “When initial lymph fills the interstitial space, elastic fibers are stretched, thereby expanding the lumen of the lymphatic capillary and opening the overlapping flaps to allow lymph to enter the capillary plexus. Thus, lymphatics must act as a mechanical extension of the interstitium to function (Bjork, 2018; Hettrick & Aviles, 2022).

Lymph vessels are typically larger than capillaries but smaller than veins. Most of the larger lymph vessels have one-way valves to keep the flow of lymph fluid uni-directional – toward the heart and preventing back-flow or clotting. The lymph system also has hundreds of lymph nodes that serve as filters for the lymphatic fluid (Lawenda et al., 2009). There are two separate systems of lymph drainage within the body: those found within the subcutaneous tissues, which drain lymph fluid that has diffused through capillaries from the superficial tissues and skin of the body, and those that drain lymph fluid diffused from tissues within the deeper spaces and structures of the body such as the head, neck, and thorax. The fluid movement through the lymphatic drainage system occurs partly by muscles contracting and increasing pressure against other structures, effectively “squeezing” the fluid from one place to another.

The deeper lymphatics drain the deep tissues, such as muscle, and follow a pathway similar to the cardiovascular blood vessels. Superficial lymphatics are in the subcutaneous fatty layer of the body and drain the subcutaneous tissues and skin.  The deeper lymphatic system connects with the more superficial lymphatic system through perforating vessels, which pass through the fascia (fibrous layer covering muscle)( NLN, n.d.).  However, these vessels do not connect directly and have open spaces between them. The lymph fluid (containing proteins, cellular debris, and fluids that have escaped from cells, tissues, and semi-permeable blood vessels) passes from the intercellular spaces of tissues into the lymphatic vessels, where they are directed to lymph nodes – the filters of the body. The lymph vessels return the filtered lymph fluid to the venous system. The smallest lymph vessels, which are blind at one end and collect lymph fluid in tissues and organs, are also known as lymph capillaries. However, they are different from those found in the venous-arterial circulatory system.

For more than 100 years, it was thought that the lymphatic channels did not cross the midline of the body, yet research initiated back in the 1950s after the development of lymphoscintigraphy and confirmed by Fife et al. (2014) suggests this is not the case. Fife et al. demonstrated with fluoroscopy and radio-opaque tracers that Lymphatic fluid was seen to cross the body's midline (head, neck, chest, and trunk) during lymph massage. This information is important when identifying sentinel lymph nodes to dissect in cancer cases and for manual lymphatic massage techniques (Uren et al., 2003).

According to Breslin et al. (2018), “The lymphatic system maintains extracellular fluid homeostasis favorable for optimal tissue function, removing substances that arise due to metabolism or cell death, and optimizing immunity against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other antigens.” A severe medical problem may occur in any part of the body when lymph fluid does not drain through the lymphatic system adequately.  Lymphedema is caused when there is an excessive build-up of interstitial fluid in any part of the body due to a pathological disruption in the lymphatic drainage system (Lu et al., 2009; Rabe et al., 2018; Hettrick & Aviles, 2022). This may occur when lymph nodes are removed, lymphatic vessels are deformed, injured, or chronically over-taxed (such as chronic venous insufficiency or CVI), or lymphatic vessels/nodes are blocked (such as parasites or tumors). Lymphedema from lymph node removal, lymphatic vessel injury, or lymphatic vessels/node blockages (such as by parasites or tumors) are often unilateral in presentation.

Lymphedema may appear at any age and may be sudden (such as after surgery) or progressive and worsen over time (such as when due to parasitic filariasis) (Rabe et al., 2018). Lymphedema may be mild and hardly noticeable to the patient or clinician, or it may be severe and extremely debilitating (some lower extremities have been reported to get so large that they exceed the size of the rest of the body) and may become life-threatening. Over time, if left untreated, lymphedema may result in further lymph vessel damage, chronic inflammation, and what is often referred to as fibrotic changes or irreversible hardening of the skin(Hettrick & Aviles, 2022; Rabe et al., 2018; Vojackova et al., 2012). It has been suggested that the prolonged sequestering of accumulated lymph fluid leads to the cross-linking of proteins and other components of the fluid, leading to the fibrotic changes that, if untreated, make movement and reduction of the built-up fluid increasingly difficult to achieve.

 Image 1: unilateral lymphedema

 Image 2: bilateral lymphedema

Lymphedema should not be confused with lipedema. Lipedema (may also be called lipoedema or lipodema) is actually a fatty tissue disorder caused by an abnormal deposition of adipose tissue with hypertrophic or hyperplastic fat cells that trap fluid in tissue (Fife et al., 2010; Kruppa et al., 2020). This typically occurs symmetrically in the lower extremities above the ankle but may also occur in the upper portion of the upper extremities. One of the easiest ways to clinically differentiate lipedema from lymphedema is that the feet are spared in lipedema and will appear relatively normal in shape compared to the often puffy “box foot” of someone with lymphedema.

Image 3: lipedema

Lipedema may be hereditary and occurs almost exclusively in women over the age of puberty, which has led to theories that estrogen and progesterone may play a role in the development of this problem. One German study suggested that 11% of the general female population have lipedema, and up to 17% of women with lymphedema also have lipedema (Foldi, 2006; Herbst, 2021). Persons with lipedema typically have minimal pitting edema and a negative Stemmer sign (screening test for lymphedema; see clinical pearl box below). In addition, persons with lipedema have pain or tenderness with pressure to the affected tissue and may experience easy bruising (Kruppa et al., 2020). They also may experience persistent enlargement despite limb elevation or weight loss. To complicate matters, persons with lipedema may experience secondary lymphedema due to damaged blood vessels and tissue (altering lymphatic flow) over time (Herbst, 2023). Unfortunately, persons with lipedema or lymphedema are often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or just dismissed as being obese (Fife et al., 2010).  The inclusion of lipedema into the Internal Classification of Disease in 2018, however, will help to increase awareness and research into the diagnosis and management of lipedema (Forner-Cordero et al., 2021).

There are two main types of lymphedema: primary and secondary lymphedema. Primary lymphedema is typically congenital or due to a genetic lymphatic system disorder and is more common in women. Secondary lymphedema is much more common than primary lymphedema and is an acquired impairment of the lymphatic system, typically due to infection, trauma, or as a complication of medical treatment, especially surgery, and radiation, and may also result from damage to lymphatic vessels due to chronic venous insufficiency(Vojackova et al., 2012; Smith, 2023). Cancer involving lymphoid tissue is known as lymphoma. Lymphoma will not be discussed in depth in this module.

Multiple types of cancer and cancer treatment are responsible for a large number of the estimated 3 to 5 million cases of lymphedema in the United States (Lawenda et al., 2009). For instance, after breast cancer surgery and treatment, women have a 10-30% risk of developing lymphedema of the upper extremity on the side of surgery/radiation. It has been reported that the risk of developing lymphedema after any type of cancer is 15.5%. This risk is lifelong. The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) PDQ cancer information summary about breast cancer (2023) prevention states, “In a survey conducted in 2006 and 2010, 6,593 cancer survivors were asked to identify ongoing concerns. Approximately 20% of respondents reported concerns related to lymphedema. Of these individuals, 50% to 60% reported receiving care for lymphedema.” The NCI also reports a lymphedema point prevalence of 37% in women survivors of ovarian cancer, 33% in women survivors of endometrial cancer, and 31% in women survivors of colorectal cancers.  Additionally, a randomized clinical trial in “women with breast cancer demonstrated 42% of subjects had lymphedema at 18 months after surgery.” (NIH, 2023).

Most classification systems recognize primary or secondary lymphedema as “classifications” of the disease. The most widely accepted staging system for lymphedema is a three-stage scale system (Stage 0 or 1a through 3) proposed by the International Society of Lymphology (ISL). This staging system is traditionally only used for lymphedema of the limbs (arms and legs). Information for the following lymphedema staging table resource is based on the 2016 Consensus Document of the International Society of Lymphology and Bryant & Nix (2023). This 2016 International Society of Lymphology (ISL) Consensus Document is the latest revision of the 1995 Document for the Evaluation and Management of Peripheral Lymphedema (ISL Executive Committee, 2016).

More research is needed in this area. Experts in the 2016 ISL consensus document stated, “These Stages only refer to the physical condition of the extremities. A more detailed and inclusive classification needs to be formulated with an improved understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of lymphedema (e.g., nature and degree of lymphangiodysplasia, lymph flow perturbations, and nodal dysfunction as defined by anatomic features and physiologic imaging and testing) and underlying genetic disturbances, which are gradually being elucidated” (ISL Executive Committee, 2016). Research is also warranted to examine lymphedema's impact on socioeconomic status and quality of life (QoL).

Eberhardt & Raffetto, 2005 described a “CEAP” Classification of Chronic Venous Disease. Still, it does not include lymphedema, even though they recognize that chronic venous insufficiency may lead to the development of lymphedema. (Lee et al., 2013). The acronym CEAP was developed to stratify patients into categories based on the presentation of their venous disease and symptoms.

• “C” represented Clinical presentations
• “E” represented Etiological considerations and diagnostic results
• “A” represented Anatomical locations and manifestations
• “P” Pathophysiologic events and skin/tissue changes leading to skin ulceration or other complications

Initially, these classifications used a complex and detailed scoring system, which many clinicians felt was too cumbersome, so a 6-stage classification was developed under the CEAP umbrella:

• CEAP 1 = Reticular and spider veins (cosmetic problem, no need to refer)
• CEAP 2 =Varicose veins only (recommend routine referral to a vein specialist for duplex & photoplethysmography assessment)
• CEAP 3 = Varicose veins + leg swelling (recommend quick referral to a vein specialist for duplex ultrasound & photoplethysmography assessment)
• CEAP 4 = Varicose veins + evidence of venous stasis skin changes (recommend quick referral to a vein specialist for duplex ultrasound & photoplethysmography assessment)
• CEAP 5 = Varicose veins + history of healed venous stasis ulceration (recommend quick referral to a vein specialist for duplex ultrasound & photoplethysmography assessment)
• CEAP 6 = Varicose veins and open venous ulceration (recommend urgent referral to a vein specialist for duplex ultrasound & photoplethysmography assessment and refer to a wound care center or wound specialist for wound assessment and management).

Gasbarro et al. (2009) adopted the acronym C.E.A.P. (used for venous disease) and added an “L” (CEAP-L) to be more specific to Lymphedema. Gasbarro et al. designed the CEAP-L “based on the most objective sign in these patients” (edema). They subdivided the edema into five different classifications or levels that are dependent on the clinical manifestations noted by the clinician. “The etiological aspect considers two types of alterations of the lymphatic system: congenital and acquired. The anatomic is aimed to locate the anatomical structures involved. Pathophysiological conditions are gathered into five groups: agenesia or hypoplasia, hyperplasia, reflux, overload, obstruction.” While these classification and staging systems are promising (and better than nothing), the most important factor in treating lymphedema is identifying it in patients first and as early as possible. Winiwarter described the development of lymphedema in the scientific literature as early as 1892 (Wittlinger et al., 2011). Yet, Poage et al. (2008) suggest that only about 36% of individuals with lymphedema will seek treatment in the early stages, even after cancer surgery, when they are told it may be a complication. Unfortunately, there is not much information about how many cases of lymphedema are misdiagnosed, but it is clear that earlier intervention and patient education and support are needed.

As with any disease or condition, diagnosis of lymphedema begins with a thorough history and physical examination. If secondary lymphedema is suspected after trauma or surgical excision of lymph nodes or following procedures such as revascularization or knee replacement surgery, imaging diagnostic tests may be minimized or deemed unnecessary. However, a simple screening test using Stemmer’s sign is recommended to evaluate a patient with an unknown etiology of edema suspicious of lymphedema. See the clinical pearl box below.  Early detection (sometimes even before physical signs or symptoms) may be accomplished using bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), where an electrical current is passed through an extremity and impedance is measured. Reduced impedance is suggestive of lymphedema. BIS may also be used to monitor treatment effectiveness (Warren et al., 2007; Bryant & Nix, 2023). Diagnostic tests may also include MRI, CT scan, and Doppler ultrasound, which may help identify where there is a potential lymphatic system blockage (such as a tumor growth). Lymph fluid analysis is also sometimes conducted (protein content between 1.0 and 5.5 g/dl usually indicates lymphedema).Another diagnostic test (the gold standard) provides actual visualization of lymphatic vessels by lymphoscintigraphy (a radionuclide imaging test showing the movement of a radioactive dye through the lymphatic system). Genetic testing may be recommended in patients with primary lymphedema (Bryant & Nix, 2023).

There are four stages of lymphedema (3 numbered stages):

• Stage 0 (or pre-stage): a latency stage where edema is absent and physical symptoms are mild and reversible.
• Stage 1: The condition may be controlled if treatment is started promptly.
• Stage 2: Edema can be improved, but some tissue changes are likely irreversible.
• Stage 3: Symptoms may be improved, but tissue damage is extensive and irreversible. (Poage, E. (2008); ISL, 2016). [See Table 1 in the previous section)].
• Chronic lymphedema has no cure (Bryant & Nix, 2023; Hettrick & Aviles, 2022).

Clinical Pearl

Checking for Stemmer’s sign as a screening for lymphedema. It is diagnostic for lymphedema if you cannot pinch the skin on the anterior surface of the base of the second toe (or the base of the second finger on the dorsal aspect of the hand for the upper extremity). If you can gently pinch and lift this skin, it is negative. If you cannot due to thickened skin, it is positive. New evidence suggests this sign can be done over any body part, looking for a “Bjork Bow-Tie” sign (Hettrick, H., & Bjork, R., 2018). Image 4: Stemmers sign

Lymphedema creates a management challenge for the clinician trying to manage a patient with a chronic or complex wound. In a chronic, non-healing, or slowly healing leg ulcer, all edema is on a lymphedema continuum, and lymphedema is often overlooked (Hettrick & Aviles, 2022). Likewise, cellulitis may be blamed for edema related to lymphedema. To complicate matters, cellulitis, lymphedema, and venous insufficiency may also occur concurrently, making diagnosis of one or all three problems difficult. The important things to remember is to conduct a thorough assessment (physical examination and history), including palpation of the skin in the affected area and the contralateral side/extremity (look for Stemmer’s sign as a screening tool if applicable) (Bryant & Nix, 2023). Mentally list lymphedema in your differentials any time you have a non-healing wound with any edema or surrounding tissue changes present and/or suspicious history (such as previous serious injury to nearby soft tissue or cancer surgery). Venous insufficiency often presents as dependent edema of both lower extremities from feet to knees, which is diminished with leg elevation. However, with lymphedema of a lower extremity, the edema usually involves the entire leg from the toes to the groin and may not be relieved by elevation (Bryant & Nix, 2023). Studies show, however, that compression stockings effectively reduce swelling and prevent ulceration recurrence (HQO, 2019). Although chronic venous insufficiency may contribute to lymphedema and be complicated by the presence of lymphedema, common swelling of both lower extremities below the knees in a hypertensive patient that worsens with salt intake and improves with feet elevation, with negative Stemmer's sign, would lend itself more to a diagnosis of venous insufficiency versus lymphedema. If lymphedema is suspected, additional diagnostic tests may be warranted. Nevertheless, one of the key goals in treating a chronic wound complicated by lymphedema should include fluid management / promoting lymphatic flow in the affected extremity/area (Bryant & Nix, 2023).

The main tenets of lymphedema management revolve around fluid management. Treatment approaches may include Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as the gold standard, compression bandaging, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), Skin and nail care, exercise, patient education, and in some cases, surgery(Vojackova et al., 2012; Lawenda et al., 2009; ISL, 2016; Hettrick & Aviles, 2022, Bryant & Nix, 2023).

According to Hettrick & Aviles (2022), Phase 1 of treatment is typically carried out by “a certified lymphedema therapist until a plateau in fluid reduction has been achieved, and Phase 2 is the maintenance phase carried out by the patient for life-long management of lymphedema.” Lifelong management may include compression, MLD, skin and nail care, ongoing patient education, support, encouragement, and regular condition monitoring.

Preoperative reduction of poorly controlled lymphedema is considered helpful in promoting successful incision healing. Reconstructive surgeries such as lymphatic transplant, debulking, or bypass procedures may be considered in extreme cases; however, healing is often difficult and does not eliminate the need for lifelong maintenance treatment and control with appropriate compression garments.

Any patient with suspected lymphedema, especially when the referring provider is not a specialist in lymphedema management, should be referred to a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) or clinic (Bryant & Nix, 2023). These specialists are critical in providing a comprehensive lymphedema management plan and should be incorporated as early in the diagnosis as possible. This plan likely includes some form of manual lymphedema drainage therapy (also called decongestive therapy). In most cases, lymphedema is a life-long condition. In most management plans, manual lymphedema therapy is typically combined with compression garments, and sometimes, at-home manual lymphedema therapy is taught to a caregiver or achieved with the use of lymphedema pumps (which use segmented/sequential gentle pulsing massage to move lymph fluid toward the body’s central venous circulatory system).

Highly trained individuals best accomplish manual lymphatic drainage therapy, and they can determine an appropriate treatment plan, and provide proper patient education for self-management. Unfortunately, certified lymphedema therapists may not be available in every part of the United States, but hopefully, this is changing. Physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, athletic trainers, and massage therapists may receive specialized training to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) or CWLT (Certified Wound and Lymphedema Therapist).

• The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) website lists several lymphedema training programs and many resources available.
• To see the Lymphedema Treatment Act Public Service Announcement that includes several patients’ stories with physicians’, therapist’s and legislators’ comments, published April 23, 2015 (13 min YouTube video).
• Lymphoedema Support Network website (2023). (See also their news site).
• 2022 Guidelines on the Management of Cellulitis in Lymphoedema.
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) website.
• Academy of Lymphatic Studies (AOLS) website.

Mrs. S is a 52-year-old,  5' 4",  220lbs Hispanic female with dark skin tones. Past medical history includes a history of 4 pregnancies with three vaginal deliveries, hypertension, chronic venous leg ulcers, and moderately well-controlled diabetes type II. She presents to your wound clinic with a recurrence of her right lower leg ulcer just above the medial ankle. You are the clinic wound care clinician; this is the first time you have seen this client. Mrs. S. states she is not experiencing any pain, does not smoke, rarely uses alcohol, denies using other un-prescribed substances, and complains that she is tired of this ulcer reappearing every few months. She feels self-conscious with bandages on her lower legs all the time, and they fall “a lot.”

The medical record review shows routine labs conducted three months ago were mostly within normal limits with a hemoglobin A1c of 7.5 (a test that measures the level of hemoglobin A1c in the blood to determine the average blood sugar concentrations for the preceding two to three months). Ten months ago, she also had a normal ABI (ankle-brachial index) of 0.8 to assess her arterial perfusion.

You move on to conduct a focused examination of the lower extremities. You remove ace wraps from both legs, which she says she applies daily. However, she has prescription compression stockings (30-40 mm hg, firm compression), which are about ten months old; she says “are all stretched out” as far as they will go (she admits to putting them in the washer and dryer sometimes more than once a week). You also remove a hydrocolloid dressing from over the right leg wound; you note there is some swelling of both lower extremities, but the right lower extremity appears slightly more edematous than the left. Her dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses are fairly strong, (3+) bilaterally, and you note there was 2+ pitting in the right foot evidence when you were pressing on the dorsal pedis pulse in the right foot (and 1+ noted in the left foot).

There is a shallow 2.5cm diameter ulcer with irregular margins located over the medial right ankle above the malleolus, which you expected to see as it is consistent with a classic venous ulcer. Mrs. S. complains that it “itches” a lot around the lower edge of the wound, especially at night. While there is slight maceration and very slight peri-wound redness extending 0.5 cm from the inferior wound edge, the bed is pink, moist, and otherwise unremarkable.

You also notice something else. The toes of the right foot look like stacked inner tubes, and when you attempt to pinch the skin at the base of the 2nd toe, you cannot do so. This positive Stemmers sign suggests a lymphedema component previously not identified in the patient's chart. You continue your exam to gather more clinical clues.

Even though Mrs. S. has been wearing her stockings, both feet and lower legs are edematous, and the skin is taut. The dorsum of the right foot appears more “puffy” than the left, giving the contour of her foot a 'box-like' appearance- another indication of lymphedema. Although it is sometimes difficult to discern hemosiderin staining of the gaiter region in people with darker skin, you palpate it and feel a woody, non-compressible quality to the tissues consistent with venous insufficiency. However, you continue palpating proximally and note that the calf areas are also firm or what is often described as 'fibrotic,' and this clue is suggestive of lymphedema. The thigh and inguinal areas are spared.

You ask Mrs. S. if she has ever heard the diagnosis of 'lymphedema,' and she says she has never heard of that before. You explain that longstanding venous insufficiency can be associated with secondary lymphedema, which can make it more difficult to manage but, once properly identified and treated, can end the cycle of re-ulceration or at least minimize recurrence.

You decide that this case could likely be managed in the clinic without referral to a lymphedema specialist since there is not one in the local area, and many will not be treated while there is still an active wound. Nevertheless, you talk to Mrs. S about a potential future referral to a lymphedema therapist as an option, should it become necessary.

Since Mrs. S’s lower extremity pulses are palpable and her ABI was 0.8, you anticipate compression can be applied at higher levels to reach therapeutic benefits and get the edema under better control while addressing the wound. Over the next few weeks, you evaluate the compression options and, after talking to Mrs. S., decide to go with multi-layer compression (absorptive contact/base layer, covered with short stretch bandage and a more elastic top layer) on both legs, verifying the amount of compression at rest, standing and walking the first time it is applied (with a pressure monitor explicitly made for this purpose). Your goal is to reach pressures between 40 mm Hg and 60 mm Hg when walking at the strongest contraction of the calf muscle. You also evaluate Mrs. S’s compression tolerance to ensure she has no discomfort from the compression at rest and her pulses are still palpable (and toenails have good capillary refill) when the legs are elevated and at rest with the bandages intact. You also choose a more breathable, antimicrobial fiber absorptive cover dressing over the wound before applying compression bandages. You schedule twice-weekly visits in your clinic to re-evaluate her progress the first two weeks, to re-measure her legs, order her new compression stockings every six months, and give Mrs. S. instructions to hand wash and air dry to maintain elasticity longer.

You encourage Mrs. S. to limit her salt intake, continue efforts with weight loss (maintaining adequate low-fat protein intake), and consider starting a walking exercise program. You proceed to monitor progress with evidence-based wound care for the open ulcer. Serial circumferential measurements of both lower extremities are taken at each visit, along with wound(s) measurements, and Mrs. S. is delighted to see the measurements steadily decrease.

Finally, the ulcer is closed, and you start the next phase of combined lymphedema/venous insufficiency treatment: maintenance. If there is a short gap of time to await new compression stockings, you realize that if you discontinue compression therapy while the custom stockings are being made, there is a good chance of the ulcer reappearing. Since no reimbursement exists for continued compression wrapping on intact legs, you place two layers of tubular compression material over each leg and instruct her to remove the second layer at night to avoid compromising the circulation and replace both layers during the day.

Mrs. S. returns to the clinic in about three weeks with her new stockings (ordered in a darker brown color to blend with the patient’s natural skin tones better). Her legs have increased slightly in circumference, but thankfully, the ulcer has not reopened. You start her on daily wear of her new stockings with instructions to apply them first thing in the morning when she wakes up before she can walk around and remove them at night just before retiring to bed. You reinforce washing them by hand at night, air drying them overnight for wear the next day, and schedule a return visit in 2 weeks. If possible, you may consider two pairs of stockings – the patient can alternate washing one pair and wearing the other.

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