INFORMATION FORM FOR PATIENTS WITH LEG LYMPHEDEMA

After your treatment is complete, have check-ups as often as your doctor recommends.

Monitor your lymphedema yourself.
Take regular measurements; changes between measurements indicate the need for new compression garment or treatment.
Redness, swelling, and pain may be signs of infection. In this case, consult your doctor.

Wear your compression garment regularly;

Wear your compression garment regularly; wear it during the day and take it off at night.
Before putting it on, apply the Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) technique that your physical therapist taught you.
Apply your moisturizer and put on your compression garment once you are sure the moisturizer has been completely absorbed by your body.
Wash your compression garments regularly and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Change your compression garments as needed (at least once a year is recommended).

Take care of your skin and avoid injury;

Use moisturizers with a pH value of 5-5.5 to prevent skin dryness.
Check frequently whether mold is forming in the folds of the swollen area.
Take the utmost care to prevent fungus on your feet.
Wear protective clothing. Wearing pants can help protect against skin injuries. Make sure your clothes are loose, not tight.
Since your skin is very sensitive, avoid environments where you may be exposed to different types of radiation, such as tanning beds and laser hair removal.
Ensure that cosmetic products do not cause allergies.
Avoid getting tattoos on any part of your body. In your personal care;
Be careful when cutting your toenails; do not damage your skin, do not cause ingrown nails, use personal toenail clippers.
Do not cut your cuticles or get a pedicure.
Be sure to use an electric shaver to remove unwanted hair and ensure it is hygienic.
Pay attention to general body hygiene to protect yourself from infections and maintain your immune system. Pay special attention to genital hygiene (possible fungal infections can harm your body).

Elevate your leg;
If you are at risk of developing lymphedema, one way to prevent it is to keep the affected leg elevated as much as possible. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees or feet.

Change your position;

Try not to sit or stand for a long time. Instead, remind yourself to change your position regularly (once an hour). Do not cross your legs while sitting, and position yourself more upright in bed.
Being upright in bed increases the drainage of lymph fluid in the body.
You may need to set regular reminders on your phone or timer to remind you to move regularly.

During the travels;

Wear your compression garment.
Avoid hot and tropical regions. Protect yourself from direct sunlight on the area affected by lymphedema.

Avoid taking a long, hot bath or shower;

Heat and massage can trigger lymphedema by drawing fluid to the area.
Avoid deep body massage on the affected area.
Avoid hot environments such as saunas, hammams, and hot springs.
Do not use heating pads or other heating treatments.

Protect your leg from all kinds of injuries;

Choose to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. This choice reduces the risk of injury to the feet and toes.
Please do not wear high heels.
Do not walk around barefoot.
Be careful about pet scratching.
Be careful of cuts, sunburn, or other burns, and insect bites.

In your diet;

Maintain your ideal weight.
Keep your daily protein consumption within normal limits. Stay away from foods that contain too much protein.
Avoid excessively salty and fatty foods. Consume less red meat, butter, milk, and other animal products daily. Olive oil and peanut oil are the most ideal sources of oil. Consume more foods that are low in fat, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and peas.
Make sure to take enough vitamins.
Drink plenty of fluids. Consume water if possible. Consume at least 6-8 glasses of water daily. Stay away from liquids that have diuretic properties (tea, coffee, alcoholic and acidic drinks).

While exercising;

Maintain your daily activity level.
Use the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. Additionally, short walks throughout the day (averaging 30 minutes) will help maintain your activity level.
If you are working at a desk, place a balance board under your feet.
Perform the exercises regularly, slowly, and rhythmically, but without causing fatigue.
If you experience pain, redness, or swelling lasting longer than 30 minutes after exercise, consult your physical therapist.
Perform the exercises with both legs, alternating between them and starting with the healthy side first.
Perform your exercises while wearing a bandage/compression garment.
Avoid excessive stretching movements while exercising.
Exercising in a pool or the sea is beneficial, but you should take precautions to avoid infection (wear water shoes - follow hygiene rules).
Don't forget to use high-factor sunscreen when going into the sea or pool.
Try to do your exercises 3-5 times a day, 10 repetitions each.
Consult your lymphedema physiotherapist for types of exercise.