12866 Troxler Avenue | Highland, IL 62249

phone: 618.651 .2720 | fax: 618.651 .2722

Our Mission:To reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality Franciscan health care ministry.

Core Values:RESPECTCARECOMPETENCEJOY

LYMPHEDEMATreatment Information Education Support

THERAPY SERVICESHOW CAN I PREVENT OR CONTROL LYMPHEDEMA?

• Avoid infection. Keep your skin soft and moist by regularly applying moisturizing lotion. Cracks in dry skin can lead to an infection.

• Clean and protect open skin with a topical antibiotic ointment and cover with a band aide.

• Avoid burns – use a sunscreen and oven mitts.

• Avoid insect bites – use a bug repellent.• Avoid constriction – do not carry heavy

packages or purse on the involved arm, avoid clothing that is tight at your wrist or ankle.

• Do not allow your blood pressure to be taken on the involved arm.

• Wear protective gloves when working in the yard or with cleaning products. Use an electric shaver for hair removal.

• Smoking and obesity increase the risk for lymphedema.

• Avoid hot tubs or saunas.• Do not permit any needle sticks in the

involved arm or leg. No injections, blood draws or vaccinations.

• A compression garment is recommended for air travel and during exercise if you have undergone lymph node removal and/or radiation.

Lymphedema is a condition resulting in swelling of one or more limbs and often the corresponding quadrant of the trunk, face, neck, and/or genitals, caused by the disruption of the lymphatic system. It is a chronic, often progressive disorder that places one at risk for a grossly enlarged limb and skin infections.

• manual lymph drainage• compression bandaging• skin care• exercise• compression garment fitting

KEY TREATMENT COMPONENTS

LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENTS

TREATMENT LOCATIONS

Treatment is available at both HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospitals Breese and Highland. Services are available with a physician referral and with a scheduled appointment.

Tonya Troxell is an occupational therapist and certified lymphedema therapist. She graduated from Maryville University and completed lymphedema certification from Klose Training.

With treatment adherence and use of compression garments, results may include:• maintained reduction of swelling to normal

or near normal size• wound healing and reduced risk of skin

infections• softened skin texture and improved skin health• improved functioning of the affected limb• improved quality of life through effective

swelling control

TREATMENT RESULTS

WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA

The condition may occur following some surgeries, trauma, disease or radiation therapy, which results in damage to the lymphatic system. Occasionally it is due to congenital absence or malformation of the lymphatic system. Conditions that may result in lymphedema include:• cancer or cancer surgery, including lymph

node removal• cardiac bypass surgery with vein graft

harvest• venous insufficiency• deep vein thrombosis• obesity

CAUSES OF LYMPHEDEMA

A highly effective treatment for lymphedema is known as complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This state-of-the-art treatment, recommended by the International Society of Lymphology, often includes two to four weeks of treatment and the independent use of compression garments at home.

Some symptoms associated with lymphedema may include:• heaviness or fullness sensation of limb• skin feels tight• decreased flexibility• swelling in specific area• non healing wounds

SYMPTOMS