The importance and function of footwear in managing lymphoedema

Abstract

Lymphoedema is a chronic progressive condition of the lymphatic system. It occurs because of poor lymphatic drainage of an area of the body leading to an increase in interstitial volume secondary to a build up of lymphatic fluid, and chronic oedema (Lymphoedema Framework, 2006; Tiwari A, et al 2003). Lymphoedema may affect any part of the body but the arms and legs are the most common sites. It is estimated that there are at least 100?000 sufferers in the UK alone (Moffat C et al, 2003). This article seeks to look at the importance of appropriate footwear in patients with chronic swelling caused by lymphoedema and takes a look at some of the practical problems encountered with footwear in clinical practice.

Impact of Lymphedema on Foot-Health-Related Quality of Life: A Case-Control Investigation

“…The increase in lower-limb volume, which includes the foot, results in increased difficulty in finding the ideal footwear. A bad shoe fit, either in size or type, also may cause an increase in other foot problems such as calluses and blisters and/or an increased risk of falling 44 . These problems can also be aggravated by changes in postural stability 45 and gait pattern 44 that can occur in individuals with this condition.…”

“…A bad shoe fit, either in size or type, also may cause an increase in other foot problems such as calluses and blisters and/or an increased risk of falling 44 . These problems can also be aggravated by changes in postural stability 45 and gait pattern 44 that can occur in individuals with this condition. The footwear dimension had the second-lowest mean score in the control group.…”

“…Participants in the lymphedema group scored significantly lower on general foot health in comparison with the control group. Individuals with lower-limb lymphedema are more susceptible to developing foot problems, because of either inadequate footwear or other causes such as trench foot, ski-jump toenails, changes in the appearance and color of the skin, skin cracks, and risk of infection or laceration, 21,22,44 which may explain the low scores in this group. However, effectively managing the edema and decreasing the limb volume can help prevent further problems.…”

Funcionalidade e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com linfedema unilateral em membro inferior: um estudo transversal

“…This makes it more likely that joint movements will be restricted and that the patient will suffer pain, causing overloads that directly impact on their mobility and functionality. 2,7,8,9,33 With regard to mental function, the literature states that people with lymphedema suffer from significant psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which affect perceptions of body image, interpersonal relations, and sexual relations, and also make daily activities more difficult. The clinical condition also creates a sensation of impotence, fears of incapacity, and problems with interpersonal relations because patients are embarrassed to expose the limb that has lymphedema.…”